Research Associate, Fermentation Development
Title: Research Associate, Fermentation Development
Type: Full-Time
Location: Berkeley, CA
Supervisor: Head of Fermentation Development
PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES
We seek an enthusiastic, team oriented, problem solver to join our team with an entrepreneurial mindset and drive to build a business. The successful candidate will report to the Head of Fermentation Development. This is a unique opportunity to join the materials revolution and have a major impact in a fun, fast growing, entrepreneurial company.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Plan and execute fermentation experiments in a team environment including set-up, operations, sampling, analysis, interpretation, reporting, and presentation of data
- Assess performance of microbial strains, their evaluation and characterization
- Assist in testing and optimization of new equipment and/or fermentation processes
- Collaborate cross functionally with team members and stakeholders to develop economically viable, commercially relevant fermentation processes
- Conduct benchtop, flask experiments to support fermentation development
- Create SOP’s and other process documentation for newly developed approaches
- Accountable for building a strong safety culture and actively pursue it daily; identify unsafe behaviors and conditions and intervene to mitigate incidents
KEY REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Bioprocess Engineering, or equivalent years of experience. Post-educational fermentation experience highly desirable, including set-up, operation, and maintenance of lab and/or pilot-scale bioreactors
- Experience with heterotrophic microalgal fermentation processes a plus
- Ability to analyze and interpret fermentation data; troubleshoot critical issues
- Excellent verbal and written communications skills
- Ability to communicate well with scientists and engineers in multiple disciplines
- Ability to successfully work in a project-driven and team-oriented environment
- Experience with a variety of bench scale fermentation bioreactors a plus
- Aseptic technique necessary
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs (raw materials) with assistance