Research Associate
About Oath
Oath is a leading microbial sciences company that utilizes natural soil biology 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.
Our solution has moved beyond the lab and into real-world deployment, focused on improving farmer livelihoods with teams in Rwanda, Europe, the United States, and expanding. When you join Oath, you become part of a collaborative network that prioritizes high quality scientific work. You will be working alongside trained scientists, talented commercial teams, and a broad network of partners—an ecosystem designed to help you do your best work and grow your capabilities.
Position Summary
We are seeking a Research Associate to join our dynamic, fast-paced, and supportive R&D team. In this role, you will work under the guidance of the Microbial Curation Scientist and other senior team members to support day-to-day microbial strain cultivation, preservation, and documentation activities. This is an excellent opportunity for someone early in their career to build hands-on laboratory skills, learn established microbiology and molecular biology techniques, and gain exposure to LIMS-based data management, while contributing to the development of novel microbial consortia products.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the generation and curation of high-fidelity cryopreserved bacterial libraries from environmental isolates, managing archival and working cell banks in accordance with standardized operating procedures.
- Execute routine analytical checks to monitor the clonal purity, viability, and metabolic vitality of microbial stocks and starting materials, reporting to the Microbial Curation Scientist.
- Perform molecular biology workflows, including nucleic acid extractions, PCR, and gel electrophoresis, to facilitate taxonomic classification and ensure culture integrity.
- Coordinate the preparation and logistical tracking of samples designated for external DNA analysis with CROs and specialized service providers.
- Assist in the design and implementation of both in vitro and in planta experimental assays under the supervision of senior R&D staff.
- Operationalize laboratory automation and tracking systems, including automated capping/decapping hardware and liquid handling platforms, to optimize workflow efficiency.
- Maintain rigorous data integrity through the accurate and timely entry, maintenance, and retrieval of experimental information within the LIMS environment.
- Adhere strictly to SOPs while proactively identifying and communicating potential process improvements to the broader scientific team.
- Manage laboratory infrastructure, including consumables inventory management, organizational maintenance, and routine equipment upkeep.
- Ensure comprehensive documentation of all laboratory activities, experimental observations, and resulting data packages.
- Facilitate transparent communication of project milestones, technical inquiries, and operational bottlenecks to the curation team and senior leadership.
- Partner across the R&D organization to maintain robust sample tracking, chain-of-custody protocols, and general laboratory operational excellence.
- Oversee the compliant preparation and shipment of biological materials to external partners, ensuring adherence to all regulatory packaging and labeling requirements.
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor's degree (or equivalent experience) in Microbiology, Microbial Ecology, Plant Biology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, or a related field.
- 1-3 years of relevant laboratory research experience.
- Foundational knowledge of microbiological techniques, including aseptic handling, pipetting, cultivation, and media preparation, acquired via coursework or research.
- Reliable source of transportation.
Preferred
- Prior academic or research exposure to nucleic acid extractions and PCR-based analytical methods.
- Previous experience working within an industrial R&D laboratory setting.
- Experience with the cultivation of environmental microbial isolates, including bacteria or fungi.
- Familiarity with laboratory information management tools or digital data systems.
- Strong interest in agricultural biotechnology, plant-microbe interactions, and environmental sustainability.
- Experience maintaining laboratory safety standards and performing routine equipment upkeep.
Job Type: Full-time, non-exempt position in the United States. At this time, Oath, Inc. is not able to provide visa sponsorship or work authorization support.
Location: Vacaville, CA, 5 days a week
Compensation: $70,000 - $86,000
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