Bioprocess Engineer

IMPORTANT:  This Advertiser has requested that applicants MUST be National Residents / Valid Work Permit-holders.  Other applicants need not apply.

 

The Bioprocess Engineer will contribute to a range of activities related to the development and optimization of bioprocesses for the production of photosynthetically derived fuels. Contributions will be required across the process development and deployment spectrum, specifically in the area of execution of laboratory and scale-up experiments from experimental run plans and SOPs generated by the bioprocess engineers. This will include set-up, operation, sampling and maintenance of bioreactors, as well as compiling data and aiding bioprocess engineers in data analysis and reporting.

The Bioprocess Engineer will play a key role in evaluating and implementing new technology from the biology and engineering departments. He or she will contribute to a productive and positive laboratory environment, including identifying and taking on tasks necessary to increase efficiency in the scale-up facility. The position is located at Joule's demonstration plant in Hobbs, New Mexico. Training for the position will be conducted at the company's pilot plant in Leander, Texas.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the evaluation of photosynthetic microorganisms for the production of Joule's target products
• Execute hypothesis-driven experimental plans developed in partner with a bioprocess engineer, assist with analysis of resulting data and prepare reports
• Prepare, operate, sample and maintain bioreactor systems
• Perform process assays on photobioreactor samples
• Assist in general up-keep of the laboratory, including development and maintenance of laboratory SOPs
• Establish PM schedules and maintain critical laboratory equipment and systems
• Contribute to improved efficiency in the scale-up facility

Qualifications

The successful candidate will be a high energy, enthusiastic self-starter with a solid biological, biochemical, or other appropriate scientific background. A Bachelor's degree in Biology or a related scientific field with one or more years of relevant experience is required. Relevant experience includes cell culture, aseptic technique, bioreactor operation, laboratory scale fermentation, and biologically based processes.

In addition, an ideal candidate will possess several of the following skills/attributes:

• Experience with operation of general laboratory equipment
• Experience with bioreactors or photobioreactors
• Experience with microbial fermentation or other related cell culture processes
• Ability to work well in a team as well as independently with minimal supervision
• Strong communication, technical writing and presentation skills
• Highly creative problem solving skills
• Good mechanical aptitude
• Proficiency for multitasking in a fast-paced, start-up environment
• Strong work ethic and desire to learn