Prolific Machines is ushering in a new era of biotechnology with light. We harness light to produce everyday essentials more efficiently, from food and lifesaving drugs to novel biosolutions. Our first-of-its-kind photomolecular biology platform delivers unprecedented control, precisely guiding cellular behavior when and where it matters most. Unlike existing tools used to control biology, our technology unlocks dynamic control over virtually any cellular function in any cell type. We're enabling partners to unlock robust efficiency, quality, reproducibility, and sustainability advantages across pharmaceuticals, nutritional and therapeutic proteins, cellular agriculture, and more. Prolific is supported by leading investors, including Bill Gates’s Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Mayfield and SOSV.

Help us create a brighter tomorrow with biology. We're looking for mission-driven, talented, and kind people to join our team.

About this Job

We’re looking for a research associate who will support and contribute to the optogenetics team at Prolific Machines. The candidate will work both in molecular biology and in mammalian cell culture. Primary duties will include the cloning and preparation of plasmids and their subsequent validation in mammalian cells including generation of stable cell lines. The candidate will analyze the engineered cells by state-of-the-art techniques such as flow cytometry, qPCR, or microscopy either independently or in collaboration with specialized teams.

The research associate will be part of the optogenetics team and work closely with members from synthetic biology and bioprocessing to revolutionize biomanufacturing.

Responsiblities

Cloning and preparation of plasmids
Engineering of mammalian cells
Generation and maintenance of stable mammalian cell lines
Characterization of engineered mammalian cells
Close collaboration with members within the optogenetics team and with members from synthetic biology and bioprocess development
Analysis, documentation, and presentation of experimental data

About You

Have a bachelor’s degree or higher in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, bioengineering, or a related field
2+ years lab experience in an industrial or academic research setting
Experience with cloning of plasmids (particularly Golden Gate and Gibson Assembly)
Proficient in the aseptic culturing of mammalian cellsExperience with genetic engineering of mammalian cells (e.g. transfection, electroporation, or genome editing tools)
Experience with routine technologies for analysis of mammalian cells (e.g. flow cytometry, microscopy, qPCR)
Experience with suspension cells (e.g. CHO or HEK) is a plus
Enjoy planning, carrying out, and documenting experimental work independently
Excited about working with interdisciplinary teamsHave strong technical communication skills
Eager to work in a high-growth, fast-paced, and dynamic startup environment

$70,000 - $105,000 a year

Diversity: We value diverse people, perspectives, and knowledge. To this end, we aim to foster a sense of belonging that enables everyone to bring their whole, authentic self to work everyday. We are committed to growing a diverse and inclusive team that encompasses all types of people. We believe this can only be achieved by acknowledging the ancestral, historic, and current systemic and communal inequities.

Location: The San Francisco Bay Area (Emeryville, CA)

Benefits: Outstanding Health, Vision & Dental Insurance (including full spouse coverage), at least one all-expense-paid team holiday per year, flexibility in schedule and unlimited vacation days. Free lunch every day!

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