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In-Planta Assays Lead

San Francisco, East Bay

About Oath: 

Oath is a leading microbial sciences company that utilizes microbes and plants to offer innovative solutions to some of the most critical challenges facing our planet - the climate crisis and the shift to sustainable agriculture. We imagine a world where these crises are not just alleviated, but reversed, replenishing Earth's microbiomes. By leveraging the latest science-based insights, Oath provides natural soil inoculant solutions that foster a healthier and more sustainable world for future generations.

When you join Oath, you become part of a collaborative network that prioritizes conducting high-quality scientific research to develop and launch effective global solutions. You will have access to a team of highly trained scientists, study directors, and a wide network of collaborators, enabling you to integrate and enhance your existing skill set.

 

Position Summary:

We are seeking an experienced Scientist to join our dynamic, fast-paced, and supportive R&D team. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in microbial ecology and/or plant-associated microbiomes–including extensive experience in developing, optimizing, and operationalizing a variety of in-planta, soil, and microbiome assays to elucidate microbe-microbe, microbe-soil, and microbe-plant interactions. This scientist will lead the small in-planta assays group, with a focus on innovative methodologies for testing and launching novel microbial consortia products. 

 

Key Responsibilities:

  • Develop, optimize, and execute in-planta assays to evaluate microbial strain and consortia performance, with an emphasis on microbe-microbe, microbe-soil, and microbe-plant interactions
  • Investigate abilities of microbes to alleviate both abiotic and biotic stress factors 
  • Deliver data-driven recommendations of microbial strains and microbial consortia candidates for field trials
  • Elucidate Mechanism of Action (MoA) of strains and consortia with beneficial effects, via tailored and innovative in-planta assays
  • Apply ‘omics (metagenomics, transcriptomics, etc.) approaches to rank consortia, identify MoA, and analyze microbiome dynamics
  • Identify and coordinate with contract research organizations (CROs), collaborators, and service providers for R&D
  • Implement automation and sample tracking solutions as needed
  • Help guide development of LIMS (laboratory information management systems); thoroughly document sample tracking, processes, procedures, and operations
  • Engage as a key thought leader in strategic development of R&D platform & pipeline
  • Collaborate with colleagues in bioinformatics, data science, microbiological cultivation and testing, production/manufacturing, business development, regulatory, and field science
  • Manage one or more researchers, as a people manager or technical project leader (or both)

 

Qualifications:

Required Background:

  • PhD degree (or equivalent experience) in Plant Biology, Microbial Ecology, Soil Science, or related field
  • 10+ years experience with elucidating and manipulating plant-microbe or soil-microbe interactions, including microbiome manipulation, plant phenotyping, plant pathology, carbon sequestration, climate resilience, and/or nutrient cycling assessments
  • 2+ years working in industrial or agricultural biotechnology and developing microbe-based products in a corporate R&D environment

 

Required Skills & Expertise:

  • Extensive experience in a wide array of plant, soil, and microbial phenotyping assays, including optimization of assay signal-to-noise ratios
  • Demonstrated ability to elucidate Mode of Action and Mechanism of Action for plant-microbe interactions
  • Deep understanding of microbial dynamics, microbial ecology, and plant health
  • Strong capabilities for analyzing large and complex datasets using statistical methods to provide strategic insights and actionable recommendations
  • Familiarity with agronomy, field trials, and agricultural yield drivers
  • Experience designing and interpreting microbiome manipulation, dynamics, and ‘omics studies
  • Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail
  • Demonstrated ability to critically evaluate the scientific literature and bring key innovations and insights in-house
  • Track record of crafting and executing high-quality project plans
  • Successful prior experience with mentorship and leadership
  • Proficiency in LIMS systems (e.g., Benchling), standard statistical analysis and data visualization software (e.g., R, Spotfire, Tableau, JMP), and project management software (e.g., Asana, Jira)
  • Experience using SQL queries and relational databases
  • Effective communication of technical and organizational topics with colleagues across multiple disciplines
  • Tech-savvy with a passion for learning and applying new technologies
  • Highly responsive and proactive with a strong sense of initiative and independence
  • Strong interpersonal skills and collaboration skills
  • Flexible and adaptable to changing project needs and priorities

Beneficial Skills & Expertise:

  • Experience with soil gas measurements
  • Knowledge of microbial and soil mechanisms of carbon sequestration
  • Successful track record of targeted isolation and characterization of diverse environmental isolates of bacteria and fungi
  • Experience with recovery and measurements of microbes from rhizosphere, endosphere, and phyllosphere
  • Experience with laboratory automation (e.g., liquid handling robots)
  • Experience designing and optimizing nucleic acid-based plant and microbe detection and measurement approaches

 

Location: 

This position requires spending >80% of the workweek at a laboratory location in the San Francisco East Bay region. The first few weeks of employment might require regular work at a Vacaville, CA location. May require occasional work travel outside California.

Job Type: Full-time, exempt position in the United States.  At this time, Oath, Inc. is not able to provide visa sponsorship or work authorization support.

Compensation: $130,000 - $160,000

Benefits:

  • Health, vision, and dental insurance
  • Paid time off and sick leave
  • 401k matching contributions
  • [Stock options]

 

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