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Metabolic Engineering Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

... programming strategies. Minimum Required Qualifications Education: * High School Diploma or GED ... Metabolic Assessments or similar cardio-based assessments * 1+ year experience as a Personal ...

... programming strategies. Minimum Required Qualifications Education: * High School Diploma or GED ... Metabolic Assessments or similar cardio-based assessments * 1+ year experience as a Personal ...

Metabolic Lead

Wayland, MA · On-site

$15/hr

... programming strategies. Minimum Required Qualifications Education: * High School Diploma or GED ... Metabolic Assessments or similar cardio-based assessments * 1+ year experience as a Personal ...

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Metabolic Engineering information

See Boston, MA salary details

$33.2K

$98.9K

$180.4K

How much do metabolic engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for metabolic engineering in Boston, MA is $98,877.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,553.00 and $128,995.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is metabolic engineering?

A Metabolic Engineering job involves modifying and optimizing the metabolic pathways of microorganisms or cells to improve the production of valuable chemicals, biofuels, pharmaceuticals, or other bioproducts. Professionals in this field use synthetic biology, genetic engineering, and computational modeling to enhance biological systems for industrial or medical applications. They work in biotechnology companies, research institutions, or pharmaceutical firms, often collaborating with biologists, chemists, and engineers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in metabolic engineering?

To thrive in Metabolic Engineering, you need a solid background in biochemistry, molecular biology, and genetic engineering, typically supported by an advanced degree in a related field. Familiarity with analytical instruments (HPLC, GC-MS), laboratory automation systems, and software for metabolic modeling (such as MATLAB or COBRA Toolbox) is highly beneficial. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and excellent communication help in effectively collaborating and translating scientific findings into practical applications. These combined skills are essential for driving innovative research and successful project outcomes in a multidisciplinary environment.

What are some common challenges faced by metabolic engineers in their daily work?

Metabolic engineers often encounter challenges such as optimizing microbial strains for desired product yield, troubleshooting unexpected metabolic bottlenecks, and adapting experiments in response to variable biological systems. Balancing benchwork with data analysis and documentation requires strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Working closely with teams in synthetic biology, fermentation, and process optimization is common, so communication and collaboration are key. Addressing these challenges is a core part of the role and provides valuable hands-on experience while fostering professional growth in the field.

What are popular job titles related to Metabolic Engineering jobs in Boston, MA? For Metabolic Engineering jobs in Boston, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Metabolic Engineering job openings in Boston, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 81% In-person, 15% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,877 per year, or $47.5 per hour.

Research Scientist, Strain and Enzyme Engineering

Manus Bio

Waltham, MA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

Research Scientist, Strain and Enzyme Engineering Waltham, MA United States, Full-Time
Manus works across industries and value chains to accelerate the transition to BioAlternatives - better performing and more sustainable versions of complex molecules traditionally sourced from plants, animals, or fossil fuels. Our platform is proven to work across scales, bridging the Valley of Death between lab and manufacturing more efficiently and more reliably to deliver the benefits of synthetic biology today.
We are seeking a motivated Strain and Enzyme Scientist to help advance the development of natural BioAlternatives in Escherichia coli. In this role, you will apply creative, collaborative approaches to engineer microbial strains and enzymes, identify and overcome metabolic bottlenecks, and optimize pathways for improved biomanufacturing performance. You will use your expertise in molecular biology, strain engineering, and protein engineering to design, build, and evaluate strains and enzyme variants through high-throughput, plate-based screening. You will also partner closely with our skilled process development team to scale promising strains in bioreactors. This is an opportunity to contribute across the full development cycle, from early-stage design and optimization through scale-up.
This hands-on position requires a desire and ability to work as an integral part of a multidisciplinary team, as well as the demonstration of a high degree of flexibility, creativity, and initiative. This person will be expected to play an integral part of Manus's research and development team located in Waltham, MA.
Why work for the Company:
Opportunity - For motivated, results-oriented team members, our growth creates opportunities for personal and professional advancement.
Accountability - You are given the resources you need to succeed and the freedom to make it happen; in return, we hold each other accountable for our high expectations.
Passion - We love what we do and enjoy working with others who feel the same way. We embrace the challenge and hard work that comes with working on the cutting edge.
Responsibilities:
  • Strain Engineering: Identify and address metabolic bottlenecks, and design, construct, and optimize biosynthetic pathways using metabolic engineering and synthetic biology tools.
  • Enzyme Engineering: Apply design-build-test-learn (DBTL) approaches to evaluate enzyme panels and engineered variants, improve pathway activity, and overcome key performance limitations.
  • Molecular Biology: Design, construct, and validate vectors for gene expression, enzyme evaluation, and pathway engineering in microbial hosts.
  • Strain Construction: Generate E. coli strains using techniques such as recombineering and CRISPR-based genome editing to support strain development campaigns.
  • High-Throughput Experimentation: Develop and execute efficient screening workflows to evaluate strain and enzyme performance and identify promising candidates.
  • Analytical Execution: Operate GC and/or LC instrumentation to quantitatively assess strain performance, including titer, yield, productivity, and product profile.
  • Scientific Innovation: Develop and test data-driven hypotheses, translate experimental insights into actionable strategies, and deliver creative solutions to complex technical challenges.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Communicate findings and work closely with colleagues across strain engineering, fermentation, analytical sciences, and downstream processing to accelerate development and improve experimental outcomes.
  • Data Management: Maintain accurate and complete experimental records, process results, and ensure timely data entry into LIMS and other designated systems.

Required Qualifications:
  • Ph.D. or equivalent in Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Microbiology, or a related field
  • Hands-on experience in genetic engineering tools, including cloning, pathway assembly, and chromosomal manipulation
  • Knowledge of enzyme engineering and DBTL workflows
  • Expertise in microbial physiology and metabolism

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience engineering E. coli or other similar microorganisms
  • Analytical chemistry experience, including GC, LC, and LC/MS

Preferred Working Style:
  • Must be very well-organized and be able to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Must be a quick learner who is self-motivated and able to ask questions and seek clarity.
  • Must be flexible with day-to-day duties and able to thrive in a dynamic environment.
  • Must be an excellent team member with strong communication skills and a desire to work collaboratively.
  • Must hold themselves to the highest professional, scientific and ethical standards.