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, you will be a vital pillar of our plant R&D efforts. You will join a high-performing, fast-paced team where your role extends beyond execution; we are looking for a collaborator who will actively participate in strategic conversations to drive our research progress efficiently. You will be responsible for the daily health and maintenance of our corn trials, the precise execution and analysis of microbial inoculation experiments, and the logistical management of our controlled-environment growth rooms.

 

Objectives and responsibilities

  • Develop and support controlled-environment research on crops and plant–microbe interactions, including experimental setup, plant measurements, harvesting, microbial inoculation and analysis of data.

  • Manage grow room operations, including irrigation systems, nutrient delivery, and environmental controls.

  • Ensure experiments are executed in compliance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and research protocols.

  • Implement and oversee Integrated Pest Management strategies to maintain a sterile and healthy environment.

  • Maintain high-quality experimental records, including plant health metrics, treatments, and environmental variables.

  • Maintain and troubleshoot grow room equipment while managing greenhouse consumables and coordinating with vendors for maintenance, repairs, and upgrades.

 

Characteristics of a successful candidate

  • Must be authorized to work full-time in the U.S. and able to work on-site daily in the California Bay Area.

  • Familiarity with controlled-environment systems, including greenhouses and climate-controlled growth environments.

  • Exceptional attention to detail with proven organizational and time management skills.

  • Strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills for effective cross-functional collaboration.

  • A mission-driven team player and "culture-carrier" eager to collaborate across diverse teams in a fast-paced startup environment.

Preferred Qualifications

  • B.S. or M.S. in Plant science, Horticulture, Microbiology, Soil Biology, Molecular Biology, Plant Physiology or related discipline.

  • 2-5 years’ experience in the aforementioned disciplines with an emphasis in plant microbe interactions and/or plant nutrient management.

  • Experience with molecular techniques for microorganism identification, controlled-environment plant growth systems, and/or experimental design is considered an asset.

  • Be able to work independently and effectively manage multiple projects.

  • Ability to handle large data sets and perform statistical analysis.

Expected salary range

$65k - $105k

Salary to commensurate with experience