Research Associate - Molecular Biology

About Us

At Shiru, we believe that the most powerful solutions to global challenges are found in nature—and that AI-driven discovery can unlock them faster than ever before. Our mission is to create high-quality, functional proteins that drive sustainability, performance, and efficiency across multiple industries—from food and agriculture to materials and beyond.

By applying computational intelligence, we identify highly functional, natural proteins and harness the inherent capabilities of biological systems to produce them at scale. From next-generation food ingredients to bio-based materials, biopesticides, and more, Shiru is pioneering a new era of sustainable innovation.

We partner with industry-leading companies to bring these discoveries to market, ensuring that our innovations don’t just stay in the lab—they create real-world impact. As we continue to grow, we’re building a team of passionate, cross-disciplinary professionals committed to transforming industries and shaping a more sustainable future.

About the Role

We are looking for an enthusiastic and detail-oriented Research Associate to join our Molecular Biology team. You will work closely with Shiru’s scientists to design, execute, and improve our strain engineering workflows to express a diverse range of functional proteins. As a key member of an early stage multi-disciplinary team, you will have ample opportunities to learn cutting-edge science in a collaborative environment, hone your laboratory and scientific decision-making skills, and contribute to our collective mission with ever-increasing autonomy. 

About You: You are an enthusiastic and hyper-organized self-starter. You keep a list of your lists, and checking items off of them gives you a great sense of satisfaction. You find yourself “in the flow” when you are working with your hands and at the bench. Your curiosity and attention to detail help you spot problems, ask questions, and identify solutions. Your positive mindset and collaborative attitude make you a great team player. You have excellent interpersonal and time-management skills, and a passion for science, food, and sustainability.

This is a six-month fixed-term position with the possibility of extension based on business needs, performance, and other factors.

• Routinely design and construct DNA expression cassettes for use in E. coli or yeast hosts
• Design, build and test microbial strains that produce diverse functional proteins
• Collect, analyze, and summarize data in the form of short reports and brief presentations
• Troubleshoot existing molecular biology protocols and support the development of new processes
• Maintain a detailed record of results using an Electronic Laboratory Notebook, enabling efficient data capture, analysis, and communication
• Contribute to a safe working environment through equipment maintenance and chemical handling

• You enjoy working on scientific problems and applying your analytical and problem-solving skills
• You bring a positive attitude to individual and collaborative projects
• Good organizational habits and time-management skills
• Ability to work independently and troubleshoot resourcefully; you’re not afraid to make or discuss mistakes and you’re keen to continuously improve your skills and the quality of your work
• Excellent communication skills and a demonstrated ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment

• A.S./B.S. degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, microbiology, chemical engineering, or a related discipline; with 1+ yrs industrial experience
• Experience with molecular biology techniques, including PCR, plasmid/DNA design, DNA sequence analysis, microbial transformation,  microbial culture and aseptic technique
• Experience in protein expression engineering, synthetic biology and genome editing preferred but not required
• Familiarity with purification techniques like cell lysis and chromatography a plus
• Familiarity with SQL and/or Python a plus

We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet every single requirement. Studies show that individuals from historically underrepresented groups, including women, are less likely to apply unless they meet all qualifications. We value diverse experiences and perspectives, and we believe skills can be transferable. If this role excites you, we’d love to hear from you!