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!