Principal Scientist, Gene Discovery (2004-43PR)

At Synthetic Genomics, Inc., we are dedicated to developing and commercializing genomic-driven solutions to address global challenges. We are currently seeking a Principal Scientist, Gene Discovery to join our fast-growing, dynamic and collaborative team in La Jolla, CA.

Responsibilities:

• This Principal Scientist will provide specific expertise in gene discovery to multifunctional teams tasked to pursue development of photosynthetic microbes to commercially relevant end-points
• In collaboration with senior leaders, will participate in defining and implementing research plans to accomplish targets on determined time lines
• Actively conducts and leads research to develop novel photosynthetic microbes with desired properties
• Assists in the establishment of external consulting and service agreements that advance project objectives
• Provide a current and comprehensive knowledge of lipid biosynthesis, regulation and metabolism in photosynthetic organisms
• Provide knowledge about specific enzymes and understanding of regulation of metabolic pathways in photosynthetic organisms
• Conduct research contributing to a commercially-viable process for algal bio-oil production
• Present data-supported conclusions in written and oral reports; generate detailed and complete laboratory notebooks, and participate in preparation and prosecution of filings for intellectual property related to research
• Ensures staff compliance with all safety policies and practices

Required:

• Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Plant Biology or a related field with five plus years of post-doctoral and/or industrial experience
• Experience with genomic/metagenomic library construction and screening
• Strong fundamental understanding of biochemistry, with some direct experience using biotransformation and/or in vitro assay
• Hands-on experience in high-throughput assay development
• A demonstrated record of productivity in research is required and clear examples of success in team enterprise(s) strongly valued

Preferred:

• Familiarity with bioanalytical methods including lipid analysis and quantitation of metabolic intermediates
• Familiarity with basic computational biology tools (BLAST, Vector NTI)
• Experience in operation of automated laboratory equipment (Biomek, etc.)
• Understanding of protein modeling, and how protein structure relates to function
• Basic level understanding of metabolic flux analysis

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