Research Associate / Sr. Research Associate - Automation & Screening, Waltham, MA -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 biotechnology today.

Manus is seeking a Research Associate (RA) or Senior Research Associate (SRA) to support high-throughput screening (HTS) and laboratory automation workflows to identify engineered microbial strains with enhanced performance. This role focuses on execution of screening campaigns, automation, and sample preparation in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment.

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 at Manus:

• 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

• Execute high-throughput screening workflows in microtiter plate formats
• Operate and maintain automated liquid handling platforms (e.g., Tecan, Bravo)
• Perform automated and manual sample preparation workflows
• Support plate-based cultivation and screening experiments
• Ensure accurate data collection, processing, and upload to LIMS systems
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to execute screening campaigns
• Collaborate with Fermentation teams to enhance plate to bioreactor predictions
• Troubleshoot and optimize automation workflows
• Maintain instrumentation readiness and lab organization
• Author and update SOPs and documentation
• Ensure compliance with EH&S standards

Basic Qualifications

• Research Associate: Bachelor’s degree with 0–4 years’ experience
• Senior Research Associate: Bachelor’s with 4–7 years’ or Master’s with 2–4 years’ experience
• Degree in biology, chemistry, bioengineering, or related field
• Experience with automation, liquid handling, or screening workflows

Preferred Experience

• Experience with Tecan, Bravo, or similar liquid handling systems
• Experience supporting high-throughput screening campaigns
• Experience with LIMS systems (e.g., Benchling)
• Data analysis experience (JMP, Python, SQL)
• Familiarity with analytical instrumentation (GC, LC, MS)
• Experience with sample extraction and preparation from microbial fermentation broth