Research Associate/Senior Research Associate, Fungal Microbiologist

About Hexagon Bio

Hexagon Bio leverages a genomics-based platform and understanding of natural product evolution to develop next-generation medicines for human disease. Hexagon Bio's algorithms identify gene clusters that encode the machinery needed to produce specialized metabolites that can be harnessed against human disease targets. Our unique platform allows us to produce new chemical leads based on these findings. We use data science, genomics, synthetic biology, and automation to discover potent, evolutionarily refined small molecules and their cognate targets from fungal genomes.

We are searching for a highly motivated Research Associate on the Sequence the Earth team. You’ll play a critical role in Hexagon Bio’s efforts to unlock the biosynthetic potential of the kingdom Fungi. Your primary contributions will include: culturing, documenting, and maintaining a diverse collection of fungi. You’ll contribute to both manual, and robotics-aided high-throughput culturing and genomic DNA/RNA extraction workflows, manage strain-frozen stocks and activation and enhance the efficiency and quality of these processes. You’ll work closely with our Fungal Genetics team, Automation Engineers, and Software Engineers to develop methods vital to these tasks. 

Applicants with a strong handle on microbiology and the diversity of phenotypes and growth habits of filamentous fungi are encouraged to apply. This is an ideal position for someone with experience in an academic or industrial microbiology laboratory setting culturing diverse fungi from existing collections and/or nucleic acid extractions from filamentous fungi.

Requirements:

• B.S. or M.S. in microbiology, plant pathology, microbial ecology or other related field
• 1+ years industry experience preferred
• Experience operating autoclaves, glass washers, pH meters and balances is required
• Experience utilizing sterile technique with sporulating organisms is required
• Excellent attention to detail, strong communication and organizational skills required
• Basic understanding of data tracking using spreadsheets is required
• Prior experience with nucleic acid preparation is preferred
• Experience working with filamentous fungi is greatly preferred
• Ability to follow oral and/or written instructions
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, start-up environment and prioritize responsibilities
• Available to work in Menlo Park, California 

What We Offer:

• A flexible and dynamic work environment, where you pave your own path; Hexagon cultivates the unique strengths of employees at all levels and provides mobility across departments.
• Weekly “All Hands Meetings” provide an opportunity to share company and team updates. These meetings are rooted in our value of transparency and designed to foster a culture of collaboration, curiosity, and open communication.
• Discretionary paid time-off policy & paid holidays
• Competitive compensation and a robust benefits package: a comprehensive suite of medical, dental, and vision insurance plans through TriNet, which offers additional voluntary benefits (pet insurance, accident insurance, home & auto insurance, and more).
• Equity and a 401(k) plan.
• Rapid career advancement for driven performers.
• Access to scientific conferences all over the country, throughout the year.
• A range of amenities, courtesy of the Menlo Park Labs business park including shuttle, gym, rock-climbing wall, pool, sports courts, cafe, bike lockers, and free EV charging stations.
• Opportunities to engage with the Hexagon community through team-building events like our monthly Hexagon Happy Hour and holiday parties.

Additional Information

The salary range for this full-time position is $65,000-$120,000 + bonus + equity + benefits. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for the position across California locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. 

Hexagon Bio is an equal opportunity employer and committed to a diverse workplace. All applicants will be considered equally without regard to race, color, ethnicity, veteran status, religion, national origin, marital status, political affiliation, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, membership in an organization or any other non-merit factors.