Synthetic Biologist

We are looking for a scientist to join our Molecular Engineering team to work on advancing our On-Demand Breeding platform. The Molecular Engineering team tackles high risk, high reward projects and runs very much like a startup within a startup. Your core responsibilities will include: using synthetic biology and molecular biology techniques to drive our plant breeding technology, execute on existing efforts as well as propose new ideas for exploration, test platform engineering strategies using our rapid testbed system, and deploy promising strategies in real-world consumer products. You do not need to have prior plant biology experience to apply. We are looking for folks who have a strong experimental background (emphasis on synthetic and molecular biology), excellent communication skills, and high level of initiative and creativity. You can expect that your work will have a great deal of impact in taking our platform to the next level.  
 
This role reports to a Research Manager and is based on-site at our laboratory in Emeryville, California. 

Responsibilities

• Advance our On-Demand Breeding platform by pushing forward current workflows and pitching bold new ideas related to synthetic biology, molecular biology, and biochemistry
•  Design and execute experiments to test hypotheses and mine scientific literature to guide experimental design
• Serve as a technical lead for various On-Demand Breeding projects in interesting crops
• Use statistical analysis software to analyze datasets and communicate results to diverse audiences
• Provide mentorship and train more junior researchers (may include direct line management responsibilities depending on experience)
• Maintain good relationships with external partners
• Maintain safe practices in the laboratory
  

Targeted Skills & Experience

• A PhD, or equivalent experience, synthetic biology, molecular biology, microbiology, biochemistry, or related fields
  Expertise in molecular biology techniques
• Excellent critical thinking, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Proven track record of successful projects, collaboration, and teamwork in cross-disciplinary teams
• Self-motivation, passion, and a drive to succeed
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects and tasks
• Desire to be part of a rapidly evolving organization, which requires flexibility and a willingness to learn new techniques and concepts
• Competence in using statistical tools to strengthen experimental design and enable data analysis (Excel, JMP, Spotfire, R, Python, etc)
• Experience with laboratory automation (Tecan, Beckman, Hamilton, etc.) to enable process scale-up is preferred but not required
  

This role demonstrates our core values by: 

• Boldness: Leading with experimentation, you prefer action over inaction, no matter how difficult situations may be. “Goes for it” on a regular basis.
• Ownership: Takes passion for this work to a new level - staying read up on the literature, and is detailed-oriented, diligent, thorough, rigorous and critical. 
• Respect: Values positive work culture and actively contributes to building one at Sound. Supports colleagues, is a team player, and volunteers to help out in efforts outside of direct responsibilities routinely.
• Creativity: Challenges self to consistently bring a fresh perspective to work and provide feedback/ideas/comments/questions to fellow Sounders. Finds creative ways to pivot and streamline workflows when needed.