Research Associate, Microbiology - NOT PUBLISHED

Posted February 15, 2010 12:00 AM    

Department: Microbiology

Location: San Diego, California

Sapphire Energy is a venture capital-backed company developing next generation biofuels based on recent advances in metabolic engineering. The company’s focus is the commercialization of high performance, low cost, and low carbon footprint biofuels that are direct replacements for conventional gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel.

We are seeking an exceptional Research Associate to join our Microbiology staff in San Diego, CA.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, microbiology, molecular biology, or related field, plus at least 1 year of applicable experience.
• An understanding of microbial genetics is essential. Experience with unicellular algae a plus.
• Ability to work in an exciting and demanding environment to meet aggressive deadlines.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Critical thinking and problem solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to independently design, execute, troubleshoot and interpret experiments.
• Ability to participate in interdisciplinary teams.
• • Due to the highly collaborative nature of this position, interpersonal and communication skills are extremely important.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Essential job functions include growing and maintaining cultures, sterile technique and other microbiology techniques such as titering cultures, mutagenesis and mutant selection / screening, transformation / electroporation, flow-cytometric analysis.
• PCR, cloning, sequence analysis and other nucleic acid-based molecular biology techniques. Optimization of standard molecular biology techniques will be important.
• Make and record detailed observations using a microscope.
• Analyze data, and interpret results.

Sapphire offers very competitive compensation packages including bonuses and equity, as well as full benefit packages, which include health, dental, vision insurance, 401k, and paid time off. To apply, please send your CV and cover letter to human.resources@sapphireenergy.com and reference RA, Microbiology in the subject line.