#194 [Genome Construction]Scientist～Principal Scientist Molecular Biology

Company Overview

As a biotechnology company, they develop and provide a unique large-scale genome construction platform.

While traditional genome editing involves “partially rewriting” specific genes, their platform is characterized by the ability to “design and reconstruct” extremely wide genome regions with high precision on a megabase (one million base pairs) scale. This allows them to grant cells and microorganisms sophisticated new functions that were previously impossible.

[Main Business Areas and Use Cases]

• Regenerative Medicine and Cell Therapy: They design and modify iPS cell genomes on a large scale to develop “Master Cell Lines” with controlled rejection, providing a foundation for next-generation cell therapeutics and safer, high-performance transplant medicine.

• Bio-manufacturing (Synthetic Biology): They provide solutions to optimize industrial microorganisms (bacteria, yeast, etc.) to produce pharmaceutical raw materials, sustainable biofuels, and high-function materials cleanly and efficiently.

[Strengths and Outlook]

• Global Technological Superiority: They possess world-class scientific expertise, including being the only Japanese participant in the International Yeast Genome Project “Sc2.0” and a key member of the international genome writing consortium “GP-write.”

• Universal OS for Cells: They aim to become a “universal operating system (OS)” for cell engineering.

• Rapid Growth: In July 2025, they raised 2.8 billion yen in Series A funding. They have also initiated joint research with leading US biotech companies and universities, accelerating their global expansion.

• Their headquarters are located in San Carlos, California (Silicon Valley), and they are accelerating their U.S. operations. Even while based in Japan, you can always work directly connected to the U.S. ecosystem and market.

Job Description

In this position, you will lead research and development in a project for material production using microorganisms.

1. Project Planning and Design
– Discuss with internal members (CTO and other researchers) to determine the direction of research and development.
– Genome design, including the design of microbial metabolic pathways, and the development of a specific research plan.

2. Practical Research and Development
– Based on the plan, genome modification and culture of microbial strains, evaluation of productivity, and component analysis.
– Depending on your experience and motivation, you may also be involved in scale-up culture evaluation using jar fermenters.
– Development of technologies to improve material productivity (screening, etc.).
– Development of new genome modification methods.

3. Promotion of Collaborative Research
– Reporting research results to partner companies and engaging in discussions.
– Managing and promoting the overall project schedule.

Requirements

■Master’s or PhD degree holder
■Experience in a series of genetic engineering experiments, including plasmid design and construction.

Preferred Requirements

■ Research and development experience in substance production using microorganisms
■ Experience culturing in a jar fermenter
■ Experience managing research projects and teams
■ Experience in collaborative research with external organizations such as companies and academia [Attractions of researching at our company]
■ Business-level English proficiency
◆ Participation in domestic and international academic conferences is possible depending on motivation / You can be involved in cutting-edge research around the world

Terms and Conditions

• Annual Salary: 4 – 11 million JPY

• Bonus: None

• Salary Increase: Once a year

• Probation Period: 6 months

• Location: Kanagawa

• Social Insurance: Fully covered

• Working Hours: Based on 9:00-18:00 (left to the individual’s discretion)

• Holidays: Saturdays, Sundays, and National Holidays

• Average Overtime: Discretionary labor system

• Smoking Cessation Measures: Non-smoking indoors

Selection Process

• Selection Flow: They conduct 2–3 interviews followed by a reference check.

• Required Documents: They require a resume and a curriculum vitae (CV) for the initial screening.

• Interview Language: Their interviews can be conducted in either Japanese or English.