Research Associate, Microbiology

Cultivarium is a focused research organization with a mission to accelerate the adoption of

new organisms for biotechnology. We are looking for experts who can contribute both

individually and as part of a team to create tangible solutions for a ‘moonshot’ project. You

will be part of a close-knit, driven team of scientists and engineers that are building

technological infrastructure for the cultivation of non-model microorganisms, to open new

avenues for science, technology, medicine and agriculture.

We are looking for a microbiologist to help characterize non-model organisms through

culturing and high throughput screening. The successful candidate has experience in

culturing bacteria, yeast or fungi and is comfortable performing hands-on wet lab

experimentation with a variety of microbes. You will work closely with scientists, molecular

biologists and automation engineers in a dynamic research environment.

• Perform hands-on culturing and characterization experiments on diverse organisms using sterile technique.
• Perform high throughput screening of diverse organisms using high-throughput automation.
• Develop protocols and reagents for culturing microbes in diverse growth modalities (plates, flasks, solid media) and media types.
• Perform and record morphological characterization of diverse organisms.
• Procure, prepare, sterilize, and maintain growth media, reagents, and other materials.
• Set up, operate, and maintain microbial laboratory instrumentation (incubators, shakers, plate readers).
• Handling and storing of microbial sample collection with comprehensive labeling and tracking.
• Creatively solve challenging experimental problems.
• Maintain high standards of reproducible and rigorous science, with meticulous documentation.
• Report and analyze data daily in a highly organized manner. Present data to the team.
• Communicate with direct supervisor regularly.
• Write protocols and SOPs for manual and automated experiments.
• Any additional tasks assigned by the team lead.
• Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and cultural awareness through
• actions, interactions, and communications with others

• Passion for breaking barriers in microbiology
• Authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship
• BS/MS in biology, microbiology, molecular biology, environmental biology or related fields is required.
• 3 years of hands-on microbial research experience in industry is required.
• Demonstrated Proficient in microbiology and sterile techniques (preparation of media, glycerol stocks and reagent stocks, sterilization, cell culture, serial dilutions, plating, CFU quantification, streaking, growth curves).
• Ability to ensure quality experimental design (replicates, positive and negative controls) and follow protocols.
• Familiarity with analysis and troubleshooting of microbial growth.
• Familiarity with high-throughput screening.
• Comfortable with using and learning lab automation tools.
• Creative thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Meticulous record-keeping and highly organized with attention to detail.
• Ability to set priorities and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills, proclivity for reasoning from first principles.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, and ability to adapt to changing projects and goals.
• Proficiency to stay up to date with new technologies/literature related to the field.
• Effective communicator.

• Experience with microscopy.
• Experience with diverse culture methods and microorganisms is a plus (eg: Anaerobic cultivation, Fungal cultivation, Phototrophic microorganisms cultivation, and Fermentation at any scale).
• Proficiency with design of experiments (D.O.E) for process optimization.

• An opportunity to change the world and work with some of the smartest and most talented experts from different fields.
• Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance through PPO plan options.
• Generous time off, paid holidays, and paid parental leave.
• Childcare reimbursement benefit.
• Allowance for fitness and wellness activities.

We are bringing together top talent from academia, industry, and startups to build a new model for innovative R&D. As an incubator within the Schmidt Futures Network, we identify high-impact scientific or technical research and development opportunities, ultimately defining and launching these projects as Focused Research Organizations. 

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that proudly pursues and hires a diverse workforce. We do not make hiring or employment decisions on the basis of race, color, religion or religious belief, ethnic or national origin, nationality, sex, gender, gender-identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state, or federal law or company policy. We strive for a healthy and safe workplace and strictly prohibit harassment of any kind.