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Metabolic Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

metabolic

Product Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

About Metabolic Metabolic is a specialist metabolic medicine clinic. We combine clinical depth with ... Cross-functional Execution You will work closely with engineers and contribute meaningfully to ...

Metabolic

Product Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

About Metabolic Metabolic is a specialist metabolic medicine clinic. We combine clinical depth with ... Cross-functional Execution You will work closely with engineers and contribute meaningfully to ...

Becoming

Optics Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$151K - $196K/yr

We are building systems that don't - by combining engineered metabolic environments, sensing, control, and software into tightly integrated products that operate reliably over long time horizons.

Becoming

Optics Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$151K - $196K/yr

We are building systems that don't -- by combining engineered metabolic environments, sensing, control, and software into tightly integrated products that operate reliably over long time horizons.

Becoming

Optics Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$100 - $130/hr

We are building systems that don't -- by combining engineered metabolic environments, sensing, control, and software into tightly integrated products that operate reliably over long time horizons.

Icehouseventures

Optics Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$100 - $130/hr

We are building systems that don't -- by combining engineered metabolic environments, sensing, control, and software into tightly integrated products that operate reliably over long time horizons.

Becoming

Optics Engineer

San Francisco, CA

$152K - $196K/yr

We are building systems that don't - by combining engineered metabolic environments, sensing, control, and software into tightly integrated products that operate reliably over long time horizons.

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Metabolic Engineer information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the metabolic engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Metabolic Engineer, you need a strong background in biochemistry, molecular biology, and metabolic pathway analysis, often supported by a degree in bioengineering, chemical engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory techniques, computational modeling software (such as COBRA or MATLAB), and experience with genetic engineering tools are typically essential. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and effective communication are valuable soft skills for collaborating with interdisciplinary research teams. These abilities are crucial for designing, optimizing, and scaling biological systems to produce valuable compounds efficiently and safely.

What is a metabolic engineer?

A Metabolic Engineer designs and optimizes biological pathways in microorganisms or cells to enhance the production of valuable chemicals, pharmaceuticals, or biofuels. They apply genetic engineering, synthetic biology, and computational modeling to modify cellular metabolism. Their work is crucial in biotechnology, sustainability, and industrial applications to improve efficiency and yield.

What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities for a metabolic engineer?

As a Metabolic Engineer, your daily tasks often involve designing and conducting experiments to modify metabolic pathways, analyzing data to evaluate the efficiency of engineered strains, and troubleshooting unexpected results. You’ll frequently collaborate with molecular biologists, chemists, and data scientists to integrate findings and refine approaches. Regular responsibilities also include documenting lab results, presenting updates to project teams, and staying current with the latest scientific literature. This dynamic mix of hands-on laboratory work and data analysis ensures each day offers new challenges and learning opportunities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Metabolic Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Metabolic Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Metabolic Engineer jobs in California? For Metabolic Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Metabolic Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Metabolic Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Metabolic Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Metabolic Engineer job openings:
Metabolic Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Metabolic Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Remote job distribution.

Research Associate II - Metabolic Engineering

Debut Biotech

San Diego, CA

$70K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Research Associate II - Metabolic Engineering

Summary

As a Research Associate II of metabolic engineering your primary responsibilities will be to engineer yeast hosts to produce valuable small molecules. You will work with a team of scientists to meet the needs of Debut's rapid strain engineering and optimization. You will routinely perform genome editing and other molecular biology techniques. You will be expected to collaborate closely with other functional groups to ensure improved strains are tested in a timely manner.

Essential Functions

  • Routinely perform standard metabolic engineering techniques (PCR, DNA extraction, plasmid cloning, gel electrophoresis, transformation, DNA sequencing)
  • Design and construct strains, under the guidance of scientists in the team
  • Maintain detailed lab records, including comprehensive inventories of DNA parts and strains
  • Assist in continuous workflow optimizations to improve efficiency
  • Help review and analyze data to design follow-up experiments
  • Collaborate with small-scale and fermentation teams to advance strains & processes

Education and Experience

  • Bachelor's Degree + 2 years of experience; OR Associates Degree + 4 years of experience; OR HS Diploma/GED + 6 years of experience;
  • Experience in genetic editing in yeast (g. Saccharomyces, Yarrowia or Pichia) highly preferred
  • Familiar with common molecular biology techniques such as PCR, DNA extraction, plasmid cloning, gel electrophoresis, transformation, DNA sequencing and DNA transformation
  • Familiar with DNA analysis software (e.g. Geneious) and electronic notebooks (e.g. Benchling)
  • Experience with metabolic pathway engineering is a plus
  • Ability to learn quickly in a fast-paced startup environment
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

 

Essential Physical Characteristics

The physical characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case-by-case basis. 

  • Continuous upward and downward flexion of the neck. 
  • Frequent: sitting, repetitive use of hands to operate computers, printers and copiers. 
  • Frequently uses hands to feel objects or control tools (e.g. pipetting).  Laboratory operations require dexterity and care to perform studies as required.
  • Occasional: walking, standing, climbing stairs, bending and twisting of neck, bending and twisting of waist, squatting, simple grasping, reaching above and below shoulder level, and occasional lifting and carrying of files or material weighing up to 50 pounds.
  • Must be willing to work with biohazardous agents (up to BSL2).
  • The R&D laboratory will result in exposure to hot and cold temperatures, noise, fumes, limited dust, and oily coolants.
  • The performance of this position will present exposure to an industrial environment and requires support and compliance with the published Company PPE policy including but not limited to the use of personal protective equipment such as safety glasses with side shields, appropriate attire, safety shoes, hard hat, hearing protection, etc.

Condition of Employment

As part of Debut's pre-employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check prior to beginning employment. Additional types of background investigations may be conducted based on the job-related activities of the position.

Debut is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

Salary: $70,000 - $85,000

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