Research Associate I/II

Rubi is ushering in an entirely new planet-positive era for manufacturing. Our vision is a world where human prosperity is planet-positive, and manufacturing is symbiotic with Earth. Our mission is to build the world’s most sustainable supply chains for the important materials we rely on; including textiles, building materials, food, packaging, and more.

Rubi decarbonizes supply chains, starting with the fashion industry.  Inspired by how trees breathe in CO2, Rubi uses biochemical processes powered by enzymes at an industrial scale to “eat'' carbon emissions and make carbon-negative, resource-neutral textiles for the fashion industry.   Within the last year alone, Rubi’s game-changing technology has captured the interest of the scientific community, top investors, and the world’s most influential  fashion brands.  It has partnerships with global fashion brands and manufacturers, and has been featured in Vogue Business and TechCrunch.

As Rubi Laboratories is growing, we are building our amazing team to cover all the scientific realms needed by our technology and currently we are looking to bring on a Research Associate I/II to work closely with our R&D Scientists focused on executing enzymatic assays in the lab, optimizing current protocols, and analyzing experiment data to determine next steps. Most importantly, your work will play a key impact for our product and how widely accessible this carbon-negative material is available to exciting, and well-known brands.  You thrive in a fast-paced start-up environment, and are passionate about dedicating your craft to the betterment of the world. 

In this role you will 

• Optimize and execute enzyme assays to elucidate fundamental kinetic values and productivity metrics
• Perform enzyme stabilization chemistry and evaluation under relevant industrial conditions in collaboration with Process Engineers
• Collaborate with team members to design and plan experiments, review data, and write reports for assay development, verification, and validation.
• Troubleshoot workflows and experiments proactively, taking ownership of results, interpretations, and next steps
• Interpret experimental results, analyze data, and present findings and conclusions at company-wide check-ins.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with other Scientists in support of project objectives.
• Implement your ideas, distill key insights, make recommendations on technical roadmap, and trouble-shoot laboratory processes and protocols.
• Document all discoveries and findings in an electronic lab notebook.

Qualified candidates have:

• Bachelors or Masters degree in a scientific field with 1-2 years of post-grad industry experience.
• Foundational understanding of the Michaelis-Menten model of enzyme kinetics.
• Direct lab experience running enzymatic assays, optimizing lab procedures and troubleshooting experiments. 
• Experience analyzing and interpreting experimental data using software such as Prism, Excel, etc. 
• Experience tracking documentation from experiments in an electronic lab notebook such as Benchling. 
• A passion for discovery, sustainability, and innovation.

Nice-to-have (but not required):

• Experience with analytical techniques such as UV-Vis, HPLC, or LCMS.
• Notable experience using plate readers.
• Start-up company experience.

Rubi Laboratories is dedicated to providing a supportive work environment for all our employees. We provide competitive salary, generous equity, and benefits in a rapidly growing venture-backed company with all the exciting career and growth opportunities that come with it. 

• Compensation: $90,000 - $100,000 annually, actual compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and geographic location. 
• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance (100% coverage of monthly fees of base plan for our employees)
• 401K with up to 6% company match
• Flexible Paid Time Off (PTO) and 27 Paid Company Holidays, including company-wide Winter break (2 weeks) and Summer break (1 week)
• Generous equity 
• Free healthy breakfast and snacks in-office
• Forkable meal service delivered to office with $9 meal credit, 5 days per week

We are excited to explore applicants with all different backgrounds so if you think you have the experience, please apply!  Rubi Laboratories is dedicated to establishing a diverse employee base and especially encourages applicants from backgrounds that are most affected by the impacts of global climate change.   

This position is located in our San Leandro, CA headquarters and requires on-site presence to complete required laboratory work described. Rubi Laboratories is unable to offer relocation assistance at this time for this position.   

Rubi Laboratories requires employees to be fully vaccinated, including a booster shot, against COVID-19 unless they have an approved medical or religious accommodation. Proof of such vaccination will be required as part of the hiring process.  

Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required. Rubi Labs may agree to sponsor an individual for an employment visa now or in the future if there is a shortage of individuals with particular skills for this job. 

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.