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Synthetic Biologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Oxman

Associate Synthetic Biologist

New York, NY · On-site

$102K - $127K/yr

Role Overview OXMAN is seeking an Associate Synthetic Biologist to join an interdisciplinary team of deep thinkers and brilliant makers. Working at the bench alongside and under the direction of our ...

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How much do synthetic biologist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for synthetic biologist in the United States is $89,403.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,500.00 and $121,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are synthetic biologists?

Synthetic biologists are scientists who design and construct new biological parts, devices, and systems, or re-design existing natural biological systems for useful purposes. Their work combines principles from biology, engineering, computer science, and chemistry to create innovative solutions in areas such as medicine, agriculture, and environmental sustainability. Synthetic biologists may develop engineered organisms to produce biofuels, pharmaceuticals, or to clean up pollution. The field is highly interdisciplinary and often involves the use of advanced genetic engineering and computational modeling techniques.

What can you do with synthetic biology?

A synthetic biologist designs and constructs new biological parts, systems, or organisms for applications such as medicine, agriculture, and environmental management. They use tools like gene editing, DNA synthesis, and computational modeling to develop innovative solutions and improve existing biological processes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Synthetic Biologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Synthetic Biologist, you need a strong background in molecular biology, genetic engineering, and biochemistry, usually supported by an advanced degree in a relevant scientific field. Familiarity with tools such as CRISPR, DNA synthesis platforms, and bioinformatics software, as well as experience with lab automation systems, is typically required. Creative problem-solving, collaboration, and clear communication are crucial soft skills for innovating and working effectively within multidisciplinary teams. These skills enable the design and implementation of novel biological systems, drive scientific progress, and facilitate impactful applications in biotechnology.

What is the difference between Synthetic Biologist vs Molecular Biologist?

AspectSynthetic BiologistMolecular Biologist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in biology, bioengineering, or related fields; often specialized training in synthetic biologyBachelor's or higher in biology, biochemistry, or related fields; focus on molecular techniques
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, biotech companies, academia, often interdisciplinaryResearch labs, healthcare, academia, focusing on molecular processes
Industry UsageBiotech, pharmaceuticals, synthetic biology startupsHealthcare, research institutions, biotech
Common Search/ComparisonSynthetic Biologist vs Molecular Biologist

While both roles involve biological research, Synthetic Biologists focus on designing and constructing new biological parts and systems, often using engineering principles. Molecular Biologists primarily study molecular mechanisms within cells. The roles overlap in laboratory skills and industry settings, but Synthetic Biologists emphasize engineering and innovation in creating new biological functions.

Is synthetic biology a good career?

Synthetic biology is a growing field that involves designing and constructing new biological parts and systems, often requiring skills in molecular biology, engineering, and computer science. Careers in this area can be rewarding with opportunities in research, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals, and typically require advanced degrees and familiarity with laboratory tools and techniques.

Where do synthetic biologists work?

Synthetic biologists typically work in research laboratories, biotech companies, pharmaceutical firms, and academic institutions. They often collaborate with teams using tools like gene editing technologies and require knowledge of laboratory safety protocols and biological systems.

What are some typical challenges synthetic biologists face when collaborating on interdisciplinary projects?

Synthetic biologists often work closely with experts in fields like engineering, computer science, and chemistry, which can present challenges related to communication and aligning project goals. Differences in terminology, methodologies, and priorities may require extra effort to ensure everyone is on the same page. Successful synthetic biologists proactively bridge these gaps by fostering open communication, seeking to understand other disciplines, and adapting to diverse problem-solving approaches. This collaborative environment can be highly rewarding but demands flexibility and strong interpersonal skills.

How much does a synthetic biologist make?

Synthetic biologists typically earn a median annual salary of around $80,000 to $120,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals or those in specialized fields can earn higher salaries, especially with advanced skills in genetic engineering and laboratory techniques.
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Synthetic Biologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Synthetic Biologist job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 56% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 24% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,403 per year, or $43 per hour.
Associate Synthetic Biologist

Associate Synthetic Biologist

Oxman

New York, NY • On-site

$102K - $127K/yr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

OXMAN Overview
OXMAN is a nature-based research and design company based in Manhattan. We incubate ventures and technologies that reimagine the relationship between humanity and the natural world. Working across disciplines, from architecture and ecology to materials science and computation, we develop nature-centric solutions to critical environmental challenges.
Role Overview
OXMAN is seeking an Associate Synthetic Biologist to join an interdisciplinary team of deep thinkers and brilliant makers. Working at the bench alongside and under the direction of our Synthetic Biologist, the Associate Synthetic Biologist is the hand that brings experiments to life, culturing, transforming, and evolving common model microbes.
Successful applicants pair dependable, precise technical execution with genuine curiosity and an appetite to grow. They are comfortable navigating uncertainty at the bench, take pride in reproducible work, and are drawn to a practice that speaks the languages of biology (wetware), computing (software), and fabrication (hardware), or some combination thereof. They appreciate the intersection of engineering, science, and art and want to help translate ambitious synthetic biology concepts into tangible products and demonstrations - as such, their scientific contribution may result in a design outcome (like a proof-of-concept product or art object) as opposed to a publishable scientific finding.
The Associate Synthetic Biologist will play a central, hands-on role in executing and supporting experiments across a range of biological and bio-inspired systems-from single-celled organisms to biotic-abiotic hybrid systems. Their work directly advances a future of unification between synthetic biology and product design.
Key Responsibilities
  • Execute key biological experiments at the bench under the direction of the Synthetic Microbiologist, including transformation, cloning, and assay work.
  • Support the development and testing of next-generation synthetic biology tools and protocols, providing the experimental data that informs models, pipelines, and methods.
  • Prepare stocks, media, and samples; design and run molecular biology workflows; and perform analysis and report results.
  • Maintain high-quality, meticulous documentation of scientific output.
  • Partner closely with a multidisciplinary team of biologists, engineers, and designers across scientific and design pursuits.

Required Experience
  • Master's degree in synthetic biology, microbiology, molecular biology, bioengineering, or a related field; a relevant bachelor's degree with equivalent years of hands-on bench experience will also be considered.
  • Demonstrated hands-on experience at the bench, showing proficiency with core molecular biology workflows.
  • Experience with software tools used to design molecular biology experiments, such as SnapGene or Geneious.
  • Experience with R and/or Python in a lab environment.

Preferred Experience
  • Demonstrated ability to work across a variety of biological systems and scales (bacteria, yeast, algae, plants, etc.). Non-traditional and unusual model organisms is a plus.
  • Exposure to custom & DIY scientific instrumentation.

Essential Qualities
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • A deep curiosity about the functioning of natural and artificial systems.
  • Demonstrates strong initiative and executes independently without requiring close oversight.
  • Clear communicator who is able to work well in an interdisciplinary team (design, biology, engineering).
  • Embodies ethics and impeccable scientific integrity, respecting both company and broader community policies in all conduct.

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