Grow with Robigo

  • As we become industry leaders, you can too. Come play a role in shaping the direction of our technology and company culture.

  • After demonstrating strong translation from lab-to-field, we are excited to be accelerating product development and commercial advancement of our lead programs.

  • We value our people and compensate them accordingly. You can expect unlimited PTO, healthcare coverage, a competitive salary, and a benefits package that is thoughtfully designed.

  • Our lab and office is located within The Engine by MIT, an incubator for deep tech companies in the heart of Cambridge. In addition to top of the line equipment, you can expect to meet smart people working on tough technical problems and endless cold brew on tap.

We’re engineering first-in-class microbes to solve ag’s most pressing problems, and we’re looking for exceptional teammates and collaborators.

Scientist I, Plant-Microbe Interactions

Location: Cambridge, MA

Position Overview

The Plant-Microbe Interactions Scientist will support the development of high‑throughput, quantitative in planta assays across diverse plant pathosystems. Collaborating closely with several teams in the organization, this individual will play a key role in managing the screening pipelines for engineered microbial strains. This role will be central to expanding Robigo’s product pipeline and establishing foundational assays that enable future innovation. It is an excellent opportunity for a motivated, adaptable scientist who is eager to perform high impact R&D within a fast-moving biotechnology startup.

Compensation & Benefits

  • Salary: Commensurate with experience

  • Equity:  Stock Options 

  • Benefits

    • 4% 401K Match

    • Medical - 100% coverage via United Health

    • Dental - 100% coverage via BCBS

    • Unlimited PTO within reason

    • Holidays: All federal holidays + week between Xmas and New Years

Responsibilities

  • Independently design and execute in planta pathology assays across multiple crop pathosystems

  • Drive cross-functional screening efforts that rapidly assess product feasibility and inform go/no-go decisions for early pipeline programs

  • Perform microbiological work upstream of in planta assays, including liquid and solid state strain fermentation of microbial inocula

  • Generate, review, and organize SOPs and experimental data within Robigo’s existing data management framework

Education & Experience

  • PhD or MS in plant biology, plant pathology, microbiology, agronomy, or a related life sciences field with 2-4 years relevant experience (academic or industry)

Must-haves

  • Demonstrated ability to run assays independently while maintaining high data quality

  • Experience in quantitative assessment of disease phenotypes (e.g., qPCR from plant samples, NDVI, high-throughput imaging, etc)

  • Familiarity with microbial handling and aseptic technique, including culturing of plant pathogens and CFU plating for fungi and bacteria

  • Hands-on experience executing medium- to high-throughput in planta assays in soil and/or sterile substrate format with appropriate experimental design

  • Capable of standing, sitting, bending, lifting (up to 50lbs), and squatting for extended periods in a laboratory, greenhouse, or growth chamber to conduct essential physical work

Nice-to-haves

  • Comfort working with multiple fungal and/or nematode plant pathosystems

  • Proficiency in statistics or data visualization tools (e.g., R, Python, or similar)

  • Experience with project management software and electronic data management software (e.g., Benchling)

Soft Skills and Cultural Fit

  • Ability to manage multiple independent, time-sensitive projects while prioritizing effectively

  • Competence in project management and structured documentation practices

  • Strong collaborative communication across disciplines and integrated, diverse project teams

  • Capacity to adapt proactively, take ownership of assays, and contribute to scaling experimental methods over time 

  • Willingness to take new challenges head on!

How to apply

  • Submit your CV to careers@robigo.bio

  • Please include a short description of why this position is interesting to you; No formal cover letter necessary.

  • Please indicate your estimated availability to start. Robigo’s preferred start timeframe is Apr 13 - Apr 27, 2026.

Robigo, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetic information, ethnicity, or any other characteristic protected by law.