Research Associate, Upstream Process Discovery

Job Description

We're on a journey to Grow the Future of Materials. How? By unlocking the unique properties of mycelium, the root structure of mushrooms. Our patented technology, Fine Mycelium™, unleashes a new class of materials crafted from nature, engineered for performance, and built for a resilient future. We're seeking passionate learners to join us in pioneering a materials revolution and creating an epic place to work.

MycoWorks offers competitive equity and benefits programs to support the health, well-being, and financial empowerment of all our employees. We root our relationships with our partners and one another in our core values: Be Mycelial, Cultivate Quality, and Grow the Future, and we're committed to building a diverse team and an inclusive environment where all employees belong. Women, gender expansive individuals, people of color, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and LGBTQ+ candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Job Summary

MycoWorks is seeking a Research Associate to join the Innovation Center. This individual will be responsible for organizing, executing, and supporting mycology-based experiments under the guidance of senior scientists. The ideal candidate will possess strong microbiology laboratory experience with demonstrated proficiency in aseptic techniques. The role requires the ability to analyze, interpret, and effectively communicate experimental data. Experience in fungal fermentation or a related field is highly preferred. The successful candidate will also demonstrate the ability to synthesize experimental outcomes into actionable next steps and will collaborate closely with team members across a range of scientific disciplines.

Responsibilities

Execute carefully controlled experiments to assess macroscopic and microscopic fungal physiology, phenotypes, fungal biomass, and mycelial growth kinetics, in small-scale and large-scale platforms to evaluate fungal growth and physiology

Carry out biorepository maintenance tasks in petri plates and shake flasks with meticulous record-keeping for traceability

Collaborate with team members to organize and execute experiments

Author and maintain meticulous records of experimental protocols and methods

Track, organize and analyze experimental data

Share results and knowledge with research team through scientific presentations

Help establish and maintain research laboratory

Assist in transferring technology from lab to production scale

Maintain safe practices and working environment

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in microbiology, biology or related field, or comparable combination of experience and training

Minimum 1 year experience working in a biological laboratory in an industry setting. Experience with fungal systems is highly desirable.

Knowledge of aseptic techniques; experience working in a laminar flow hood and/or Biosafety Cabinet preferred

Ability to follow work instructions and Standard Operating Procedures precisely

Ability to adapt to changing work priorities

Ability to perform complex procedures reproducibly

Ability to work independently after training in research procedures

Ability to organize and perform parallel experiments and manage priorities

Ability to analyze experiments and think critically about results

Ability to work collaboratively on a research team

Excellent written and verbal communications skills

Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail

Programming language (Python/SQL/others) skills are a plus

MycoWorks offers world class benefits and compensation programs to support the health, well-being and financial empowerment of our employees. Our benefits include:

Medical, Vision and Dental plans at no cost to employees

Equity

Optional insurance coverage for partners and dependents

FSA Accounts

Free Personal Health Advocate

Generous PTO policy

Paid parental leave

Paid holidays beyond the traditional

401(k) program

MycoWorks may contact you via text message regarding your application for this or similar opportunities. You can always text STOP to opt out.

Our job titles may span more than one career level. The targeted base pay for this role is $35-$39/Hourly . The actual pay is dependent on other factors such as training, skills, work experience and business needs. The target pay range is subject to change and may be modified. This role is also eligible for benefits and equity.

In our commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment, we recognize the importance of accommodating individual needs. If you require any specific accommodations during the application or interview process, please feel free to let us know. We are dedicated to facilitating a comfortable and accessible experience for all candidates, and will work with you to ensure your needs are met.

Full-time