Bioprocess Research Associate

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

 

The Bioprocess Research Associate 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 experiments in photobioreactors. The successful applicant will be responsible for set-up, operation, sampling and maintenance of a bank of bioreactors to support several development work streams. He or she will be responsible for executing experiments designed by bioprocess engineers as well as compiling data in an organized manner for analysis and report. Time management skills are essential.

The Bioprocess Research Associate 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 process characterization laboratory.

The successful applicant will have a hands-on, practical approach to problem solving with a solid biology, fermentation, or other related scientific background. The ability to function as both an individual and group contributor is paramount to the success of the applicant. Furthermore, effective verbal and written communication skills are prerequisite given the need to continually exchange information with a variety of groups within the company. The ideal candidate is someone who is independent, develops new ideas, learns on the fly, and is excited by technical challenges and aggressive timelines.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, operate, sample, and maintain bioreactor systems
• Execute hypothesis-driven experimental plans developed in partner with a bioprocess engineer, assist with compiling resulting data, and assist with reports as needed
• Evaluate photosynthetic microorganisms for the production of Joule’s target products
• Perform process assays on photobioreactor samples
• Assist in general up-keep of the laboratory, including development and maintenance of laboratory SOPs

Qualifications

The successful candidate will be a high-energy, enthusiastic self-starter with a solid biology, fermentation, 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 hands-on work in a biology laboratory setting, cell culture maintenance, aseptic technique, bioreactor operation, laboratory scale fermentation, and general knowledge of 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
• Proficiency in multitasking in a fast-paced start-up environment
• Strong work ethic and desire to learn