Scientist, Strain Engineering

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Bluestem Biosciences

Scientist, Strain Engineering

Omaha, NE
Full Time
Paid
  • Responsibilities

    Scientist, Strain Engineering

    LINCOLN/OMAHA, NE

    ABOUT US:
    We use American corn and existing bioethanol infrastructure to produce critical chemicals right here at home—powering U.S. competitiveness and securing our nation's supply chains - while reinvesting in agricultural America. Bluestem Biosciences has engineered a breakthrough in American manufacturing. Our proprietary biomanufacturing process represents a new, cost-effective, and advantaged way to produce platform chemicals domestically. With the foundation of existing infrastructure, we convert abundant, renewable American corn into high-value chemicals at scale. JOIN US AS WE ACCELERATE TO COMMERCIALIZATION

    ROLE SUMMARY:

    Bluestem Biosciences is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Scientist to lead the hands-on construction and evaluation of yeast strains making our core industrial chemical product. You will execute bench scale experiments at our research location in Lincoln NE. The ideal candidate will be a skilled bench scientist who can work independently and meticulously to generate high-quality, reproducible data. The Scientist will work directly with Bluestem's R&D team and advance the company's technological development.

    RESPONSIBILITIES:

    • Lead and execute Bluestem's on-site strain engineering efforts in a new lab space.
    • Use standard molecular biology techniques to build and purify DNA, and engineer yeast strains.
    • Conduct initial strain evaluation using shake flask cultivations, and measure key metabolite levels and growth rates.
    • Manage the lab space, including inventory, organization, media preparation, and strain banking.
    • Communicate results to the rest of the R&D team, and the wider company.
    • Transfer strains and cultivation details to contract fermentation facilities for scale up.
    • Actively contribute to the Bluestem R&D effort and take an “end-in-mind” approach to building our success.

    REQUIREMENTS:

    • Ph.D. in Metabolic Engineering, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, or a related scientific field, and 3+ years of hands-on industry experience, or B.S. and 8+ years of hands-on industry experience.
    • Hands-on experience with standard microbiology techniques, including sterile technique, microbial cultivation, and cell banking.
    • Demonstrated proficiency in core molecular biology techniques, including PCR, DNA preparation, and microbial transformation (experience with yeast is highly preferred).
    • Exceptional attention to detail and the ability to successfully execute complex protocols.
    • Familiarity with small-scale fermentation in shake flasks or microtiter plates.
    • Experience with sample preparation for analytical chemistry (e.g., for HPLC or LC/MS analysis).
    • Strong organizational and time-management skills. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while contributing to a collaborative team environment.
    • Ability to effectively organize and analyze results and data (using Excel, Python, or JMP) and communicate results to the extended team.

    Bluestem is an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status.