Pioneer Labs is a startup engineering life for Mars. We are building the first microbes that can turn Martian dirt, water, and air into the building materials needed to sustain life in the low-resource environment of the red planet. Along the way, we use data-driven biological engineering to study the fundamental science of extremophiles and uncover how their remarkable abilities are encoded in DNA. Our goal is to advance the science that enables a green human civilization—on Earth and beyond. We are a nonprofit research startup based in Emeryville, California. We do marsshot science with an agile, startup-esque team. See pioneer-labs.org to learn more, or visit https://blog.pioneer-labs.org to read more about our science.

Research Associate - Job Description

Pioneer is seeking a Research Associate to join the team and engineer microbes for Mars. We are looking for a junior team member who is meticulous, excited to run evolution and functional genomics experiments, and eager to learn!

 

Key responsibilities

Microbiology and molecular biology work:

• Performing a wide range of routine and specialized microbiology and molecular biology protocols including PCR, molecular plasmid cloning, DNA isolation and sequencing, and plate reader growth assays
• Conducting evolution and functional genomics experiments
• Working with laboratory robotics to accelerate workflows
• Working with non-model microbes. This includes modifying existing methods or developing new techniques to improve accuracy, efficiency, or sensitivity; or to overcome difficulties in dealing with specific systems or microorganisms
• Conducting data analysis and presentation; preparing and delivering research presentations
• Recording data, maintaining a detailed electronic laboratory notebook

 

Laboratory operations:

• Maintaining inventory of laboratory reagents and supplies
• Assisting with producing in-house stocks of media and competent cells and conducting QC on these stocks
• Assisting with administrative tasks including helping to maintain logs, laboratory procurement 

 

 

Key experience and competencies 

Essential qualifications, experience and competencies:

Technical

• Associate’s, Bachelor’s or similar degree in bioengineering, molecular biology or similar 
• At least one year of hands-on laboratory experience with molecular biology (cloning, recombinant protein production) and next-generation sequencing
• Experience with molecular cloning techniques including DNA construct design, PCR, and gel electrophoresis
• General use of standard lab equipment including pH-meters, balances, autoclaves, pipettes
• Proficiency with aseptic technique for bacterial cell culture

Interpersonal

• Excellent interpersonal skills and a willingness to learn new skills and teach these to others
• Understanding of basic laboratory safety procedures
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and organizational skills Attention to detail is imperative for this position. A well-organized lab notebook must be maintained at all times 
• Ability to think critically and employ scientific problem-solving and troubleshooting

 

Desirable qualifications, experience and competencies:

• Experience with laboratory management
• Experience with programming (R or Python)
• Experience with directed evolution and strain engineering
• Experience using laboratory automation, e.g. Hamilton Star, Beckman Echo, etc.
• Experience working in single-celled eukaryotes and/or non-model microbes

 

Salary and benefits 

Pioneer Labs takes a market-based approach to compensation. We benchmark salaries based on equivalents in for-profit biotech startups. The candidate's starting pay will be determined based on job-related skills, experience, qualifications, and interview performance. The anticipated base salary range for this role is $70k - $95k/year. 

 

In addition, we offer benefits including: 

• Health Insurance (inc. medical, dental, and vision) for employee and dependents
• Family leave (up to 12 weeks)
• A flexible time off policy
• Employer-matched 401(k) plan

Apply by August 25 for best consideration. Applications close September 15th. This RA's target start date is in October 2026, although candidates with later start dates will also be considered.