Research Associate / Senior Research Associate, Strain Engineering
Level and title: Research Associate / Senior Research Associate, Strain Engineering
Location: San Carlos, CA – onsite
Reports to: Synthetic Biology Team Lead
Company size: ~25 employees
Salary range: $90,000 - $135,000
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: $90k - $135k
We’re excited to hear from you!
Thank you for your interest.