Strain Engineering Scientist

FutureBio is an early-stage biotechnology company developing sustainable, bio-based manufacturing routes for chemicals and materials. Our work centers on microbial production platforms that convert renewable or waste feedstocks into recyclable or biodegradable value-added products, with a particular emphasis on circularity, recyclability, and reduced environmental footprint. By integrating strain engineering, metabolic engineering, protein engineering, and fermentation, we aim to translate fundamental biology into scalable, industrially relevant processes.

We are seeking a Scientist I, Strain Engineering to support the development and optimization of microbial production strains as part of our core biomanufacturing platform. This role is well suited for a hands-on scientist with strong molecular biology and metabolic engineering expertise who is excited to work at the interface of research and early commercialization.

The successful candidate will work closely with the CEO, CTO, and a small interdisciplinary research team to design, build, and evaluate engineered strains, while gaining exposure to downstream process development, materials applications, and IP generation. As an early member of the technical team, you will have meaningful scientific ownership and the opportunity to help shape internal workflows and research culture.

• Design, construct, and optimize Escherichia coli and other microbial strains for production of target molecules, with a focus on yield, titer, and productivity.
• Design and build plasmids, genomic integration constructs, and regulatory elements for microbial expression systems.
• Perform microplate- and flask-scale cultivations to evaluate strain performance.
• Analyze experimental data related to growth, metabolism, and product formation.
• Partner with fermentation scientists to assess strain robustness and performance during 1-L-scale (and larger) fermentations, and iterate strain designs accordingly.
• Maintain thorough experimental records and communicate progress, results, and next steps in regular team meetings.
• Propose new experimental directions by integrating literature insights, internal data, and modeling results.
• Contribute to invention disclosures, patent documentation, and internal technical reports.
• Collaborate effectively with scientists and research associates across functional areas.

• PhD in bioengineering, chemical engineering, molecular biology, biochemistry, or a closely related field.
• Hands-on experience with microbial strain engineering; E. coli experience strongly preferred.
• Strong proficiency in molecular biology and genetic engineering techniques (e.g., Gibson assembly, Golden Gate cloning, CRISPR-based methods).
• Experience with analytical techniques such as LC-MS or HPLC is a plus.
• Experience with high-throughput library construction and screening and/or adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE) is a plus.
• Ability to work independently, troubleshoot complex biological systems, and communicate clearly in a collaborative environment.
• Comfort operating in a fast-moving startup setting with evolving priorities.

• Competitive salary and meaningful equity participation
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Unlimited paid time off

Salary range: $90,000 – $110,000 annually

If you are interested, please submit your CV and a brief cover letter through LinkedIn or email us at admin@futurebio.net.