Group Leader or Department Manager, Strain Engineering
About The Position
Lead and develop a research team that engineers microorganisms to produce small molecules or proteins. Shape the strategy and execution of strain engineering projects using metabolic and pathway engineering, collaborating with colleagues globally to provide scientific insight for future product concepts and technology development. The role combines people leadership with individual scientific contributions and requires integrating expertise across strain engineering, microbial physiology, fermentation, systems biology, and omics. The position is onsite in Davis, California, with travel typically 1–3 weeks per year.
Requirements
- PhD and at least 5 years of experience in Biochemical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Systems Biology, or a related field; or a master's degree and at least 8 years of experience; or a bachelor's degree and at least 10 years of experience.
- At least 2 years of people leadership and development experience, with a strong commitment to coaching, mentoring, and developing scientific talent.
- Demonstrated industry experience leading metabolic engineering projects and cross-functional R&D teams, including multi-site collaborations with internal and external stakeholders.
Nice To Haves
- Industry experience working with diverse microbial hosts, including non-model bacteria and yeast.
- Experience applying computational and statistical methodologies to accelerate metabolic engineering programs.
Responsibilities
- Lead and develop a research team dedicated to engineering microorganisms for the production of small molecules or proteins.
- Shape the strategy and execution of strain engineering projects employing metabolic and pathway engineering.
- Collaborate with colleagues around the globe to provide scientific insight for future product concepts and technology development.
- Integrate expertise across strain engineering, microbial physiology, fermentation, systems biology, and omics while balancing people leadership and individual contributions.
- Coach, mentor, and develop scientific talent.
Benefits
- 401(k) with up to a 9% company contribution.
- At least 3 weeks of vacation, 12 holidays, and 2 weeks of Wellness Time.
- Health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
- Healthcare savings account option.
- Employee assistance program.
- Parental leave.
- Tuition reimbursement.
- All benefits begin on the first day.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
