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 fungal microbiologist to help characterize non-model organisms through culturing and high-throughput screening. The successful candidate has experience in culturing filamentous 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.
\n ResponsibilitiesPerform hands-on microbial culturing and characterization experiments with a focus on diverse fungi.Develop protocols and reagents for culturing fungal species in diverse growth modalities (plates, flasks, solid media) with and without automation. 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 fungal and bacterial sample collections with comprehensive labeling and tracking.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. Write protocols and SOPs for manual and automated experiments.Communicate with direct supervisor regularly.Any additional tasks assigned by the team lead.Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and cultural awareness through actions, interactions, and communications with others. Basic QualificationsPassion 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.2+ years of hands-on research experience in academia or industry with a focus on fungal microbiology is required.Demonstrated proficiency in microbiology and sterile techniques (preparation of media, glycerol stocks and reagent stocks, sterilization, cell culture, serial dilutions, plating, CFU quantification, streaking, growth curves).Experience with diverse culture methods for fungi.Familiarity with analysis and troubleshooting of fungal growth. Comfortable with using and learning lab automation tools. Ability to ensure quality experimental design (replicates, positive and negative controls) and follow protocols.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, a proclivity for reasoning from first principles.Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, ability to adapt to changing projects and goals.Proficiency in staying up to date with new technologies/literature related to the field.Effective communicator. Advanced QualificationsExperience with liquid or solid-state fermentation at any scale.Experience with applying molecular techniques to fungal species.Experience with anaerobic cultivation.Experience with high-throughput laboratory automation.Proficiency with design of experiments (D.O.E) for process optimization.
\nWe are bringing together top talent from academia, industry, and startups to build a new model for innovative R&D. 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.