STATUS:               Full-time, regular

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REPORTS TO:      Scientist, Strain Facility

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TARGET START:    Immediately

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Job Description

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Lumen is seeking a highly motivated, innovative Lead Technician in Strain Engineering. The Lead Technician in Strain Engineering is primarily responsible for establishing and executing molecular biology protocols and for supporting the maintenance of cyanobacteria cultures. These activities constitute an internal service supporting Lumen’s research and product development scientists.

The position requires strong organizational skills to meet quality and productivity goals. Effective communication skills are also crucial in coordinating with Lumen’s scientists and other members of the strain building team, providing status updates, and raising quality or troubleshooting issues as they may arise.

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Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The major tasks for this position are as follows:

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  • Establish and routinely execute standard molecular biology protocols

  • Grow and maintain cyanobacteria cell cultures

  • Perform standard molecular biology techniques and general lab maintenance activities, including: PCR reactions, plasmid purifications, media preparation, and stock maintenance for plasmids/cells/reagents

  • Review work order requests and schedule cloning workflow activities

  • Recover, compile, and verify the accuracy of Sanger sequencing data

  • Keep accurate and detailed records for strain engineering workflows

  • Assist in training new staff and in development of training materials

  • Provide written reports and regularly present work at group meetings

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Desired Qualifications & Requirements

Education & Experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, or related fields

  • Basic laboratory skills with 5 years prior laboratory experience

  • Bench experience and familiarity with molecular cloning techniques, including Golden Gate and Gibson assembly methods

  • Experience with immunoassays (Western blots, ELISA, etc.)

  • Mastery of aseptic technique

  • Experience in a biotechnology production environment is preferred

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The successful candidate will have the following attributes:

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  • Strong communication skills, both written and verbal

  • High attention to detail and accuracy

  • Ability to establish and follow protocols

  • Strong computer, documentation, and time management skills

  • Ability to work cohesively in a team

  • Interest in mentoring and training junior colleagues in protocols and procedures

  • High integrity and ethics

  • Commitment to quality and timely delivery of results

  • Flexible outlook to find the best solution based on constraints

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Physical requirements:

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  • Stand for extended periods to conduct lab work (2 or more hours at a time)

  • Sit for extended periods of time (2 or more hours)

  • Occasionally lift or carry up to 6 kg

  • Perform laboratory experiments requiring dexterity of hands and fingers

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Application Instructions

​Please submit a resume and cover letter to jobs@lumenbioscience.com with the position title in the subject title. This position is available immediately. Applications will be reviewed upon receipt. Only successful applicants will be contacted.

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About Lumen

Based in Seattle, Washington, Lumen Bioscience has developed proprietary technologies for synthesizing high-value products in a novel platform organism. Lumen completed its Series A financing in mid-2017 and is using these technologies to produce novel products that solve long-standing problems in human and animal health and nutrition, working out of a beautiful lab and office facility overlooking Lake Union in Fremont.  At Lumen, you’ll be challenged, you’ll be inspired, and you’ll be proud to be part of an innovative organization making a real impact on improving the quality of life globally.

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Lumen is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

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NOTE TO EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES: Lumen values its relationships with recruitment partners and will only accept resumes from those partners that have been contracted by a member of the human resources team. Lumen is not responsible for any fees related to resumes that are unsolicited or are received by any employee of Lumen who is not a member of the human resources team.