ABOUT WILLOW BIOSCIENCES: Our multidisciplinary team of world-leading discovery biologists, biochemists, geneticists, and fermentation process engineers are dedicated to harnessing the therapeutic potential of plants. We are applying our unique design-build process and our proven track record to the biosynthesis of cannabinoids.

JOIN OUR TEAM: It is fun to work in a company where people truly believe in what they are doing. At Willow Biosciences, we are committed to bringing high-purity, plant derived compounds for the treatment of pain, anxiety, obesity, brain disorders, among other significant indications. We work hard, we are serious about what we do, and we like to have fun too.

POSITION: We are a seeking a highly motivated and experienced Scientist to join our Strain Engineering team and contribute to metabolic engineering of biosynthetic pathways in microorganisms, specifically yeast. The successful candidate will have strong molecular biology skills, and practical experience using synthetic DNA and gene-editing tools to create and clone diverse DNA libraries. Knowledge of yeast physiology and/or recombinant protein production in yeast is a plus. A strong desire to work in a fast-paced, collaborative startup environment is preferred.

RESPONSIBILITIES: Design and build large diverse DNA libraries; application of yeast physiology knowledge to identify, engineer and resolve biosynthetic pathway bottlenecks;  participate in a rapid Design/Build/Test/Learn cycle with other lab scientists to interpret data and strategic decision making for subsequent strain engineering decisions in order to meet company goals/milestones.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE: PhD in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field. 1-2+ years’ demonstrated experience in strain/metabolic engineering of eukaryotic microorganisms and high throughput DNA library construction techniques in an industrial research setting (Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical, or Life Sciences Industries). Specific experience in gene editing technologies (e.g., CRISPR) and working in a high-throughput environment is strongly preferred.

JOB DESCRIPTION:                  

• Design of single-gene and combinatorial libraries for strain improvement (using in-house computational tools)
• Implement and improve protocols for building/cloning multi-gene DNA assemblies/libraries in yeast.
• Implement and improve protocols for high efficiency transformation of libraries into expression host microbes (yeast)
• Implement and improve automation high throughput platforms and workflows to increase experimental throughput.
• Apply a broad range of analytical methods including PCR, DNA electrophoresis, spectrophotometry, and other plate-based assays to QC and validate strains.
• Take an active role in sequence/activity data analysis and offer strategic recommendations based on interpretation of data for subsequent strain engineering decisions.
• Familiarity with high-throughput screening and fermentation process parameter optimization with ability to offer strategic recommendations on alignment of the two scales.
• Maintain timely documentation of laboratory work, and provide written documentation and specifications of strain engineering workflows (SOP’s)
• Effectively communicate/present work and analysis to audiences with diverse technical backgrounds
• Mentor Research Associates
• Work in partnership with other scientists (computational biologists, analytical and fermentation scientists) to identify, develop, and apply new synthetic biology & genome engineering tools to meet company goals/milestones.

REQUIRED SKILLS

● Outstanding team player with strong interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal).

● Capable of high performance in independent work as well as in team setting.

● A strong desire to grow as a scientific researcher, learn new techniques and adopt new technologies for process improvements.

● Attention to detail, good laboratory practice and maintenance of a high degree of accuracy while working in high throughput.

● Experience working with LIMS.

● Proficiency with MS Office suite

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Remaining in a seated or standing position for extended periods; performing repetitive tasks with hands, fingers, and wrists; use of standard lab PPE (lab coats, safety glasses and gloves)

POSITION TYPE: Full-time position

TRAVEL: Not required

WORK AUTHORIZATION: Authorized to work in the US.

BENEFITS:

• Competitive salary package, 401k, healthcare benefits, medical, vision & dental
• Paid vacation and company holidays
• Life / AD&D, Short-term and Long-term Disability Insurance
• Opportunities for professional development
• Snacks, weekly lunch, company, and team wide social events

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT

Willow Biosciences is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.  We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or any other applicable legally protected characteristics.  All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit, and business need.