Research Associate / Senior Research Associate, Strain Engineering

About Switch Bioworks

Based in San Carlos, CA, Switch Bioworks is redefining bioproduction through programmable microbes. Beginning with agriculture, we are developing nitrogen-fixing microbial consortia that live directly on crop roots. This replaces expensive, carbon-intensive synthetic fertilizers with a living alternative that reshapes the economics and sustainability of farming.

Our edge lies in our namesake “switches” - synthetic biology control systems that activate microbial production only when and where it’s needed. By combining microbial ecology with advanced genetic control systems, Switch is building a biological platform with the potential to transform agriculture and a wide range of industrial bioproduction applications.

Our mission is simple: improve planetary health while reducing fertilizer costs at the farm gate. Learn more at www.switchbioworks.com 

About the position

As a Research Associate / Senior Research Associate (grade will be commensurate with qualifications and experience), you will be a core driver of our strain engineering R&D efforts, turning genetic designs into sustainable solutions. You will join a collaborative, fast-moving team where your role extends beyond the bench; we are looking for a scientist who is eager to bring on new methods, optimize workflows, and contribute to high-level experimental strategy. You will directly drive and execute design-build-test-learn cycles for novel microbial strains, conducting high-throughput screens and rigorous data analysis to accelerate Switch’s mission toward biofertilizer production.

Objectives and responsibilities

• Engineer microbial strains to enhance plant growth-promoting traits.
• Design and build genetic circuits in non-model bacteria using modern assembly and recombination methods (e.g., Golden Gate, Gibson Assembly, CRISPR, etc).
• Develop and leverage high-throughput workflows to optimize strain engineering.
• Execute and analyze physiological, protein, and biochemical assays to evaluate strains.
• Maintain detailed records and rigorously analyze data to ensure reproducibility.
• Contribute actively to experimental design and daily planning.
• Present scientific plans and results clearly to the team.
• Work effectively both independently and within cross-functional teams.
• Champion a culture of rigorous lab safety.
• Leverage current literature to help shape the broader scientific strategy.

Required qualifications:

• Must be authorized to work full-time in the U.S. and able to work on-site daily in the California Bay Area.
• MS/BS in molecular biology, biochemistry, microbiology, synthetic biology, or a related field with 5 years of industry experience or equivalent. Title would be commensurate with qualifications.
• Proven experience in microbial molecular genetics and the engineering of bacterial chromosomes (≥2 years). 
• State-of-the-art DNA design and construction HTP workflows (3 years)
• Proficient in aseptic techniques and culturing diverse microorganisms.
• Strong attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and critical thinking.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Comfortable standing for extended periods and handling delicate lab equipment.
• Eager to both share and receive constructive feedback.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience in engineering non-model or Gram-positive bacteria.
• Experience the use of CRISPR in prokaryotic hosts.  
• Experience in extracting DNA from soil samples for NGS library preparation and downstream data analysis.

You’re a Great Fit If You Are: 

• Self-motivated: You give a damn and push projects forward independently.
• Accountable: You own your results - successes and failures.
• Resilient & growth-minded: You embrace challenges and grow from feedback.
• Purpose-driven: You care about building solutions that will create impact.
• Collaborative: You work well across teams and want to contribute to a shared mission.
• Scientifically passionate: You bring curiosity and excitement to your daily work.
• A strong communicator: You articulate scientific ideas clearly and respectfully in a team setting.
• Hard-working: You go the extra mile when needed.
• Able to start no later than May 2026.

Expected salary range: $93k - $135k

We’re excited to hear from you!