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Research Associate - Fermentation

SwiftScale Biologics

Research Associate - Fermentation

Oakland, CA
Full Time
Paid
  • Responsibilities

    SwiftScale Biologics uses our cell-free protein synthesis platform to enable (1) fast protein therapeutic development through to clinical batches and (2) synthesis of proteins that are very difficult to express in cells. Our mission is to use our platform technology to enable our partners to advance dozens of novel therapeutics to the clinic where they can improve the lives of thousands of patients. Building from the work of Prof. Matthew DeLisa (Cornell University) and Prof. Michael Jewett (Northwestern University), our cell-free platform provides a unique opportunity to produce glycoproteins in vitro, enabling a variety of exciting applications. We are looking for someone who shares our goal of getting life-saving therapeutics to patients more quickly than would otherwise be possible to join our tightly-knit team.

    In this position, you will drive the development, refining, and performance of bacterial fermentations as well as associated cell harvesting, lysis, and protein purification. Your work will (1) accelerate research and preclinical stage pharmaceutical programs by providing preparative amounts of proteins for screening and characterization and (2) improve our platform to scale-up the cell-free protein synthesis process from the bench scale to GMP clinical batches.

    RESPONSIBILITIES

    • Co-develop and execute experimentation plans for fermentation runs and other upstream processes.
    • Cross-train in various manufacturing operations including media/buffer prep, fermentation, and purification.
    • Weekly setup, operation, and CIP of large scale (300L) fermenters including monitoring of in-process fermentation parameters.
    • Weigh out chemicals and prepare medium and/or buffer solutions following detailed instructions.
    • Assist in monitoring of manufacturing inventory and preventative maintenance of process equipment.
    • Draft and revise SOPs and batch records.
    • Perform basic analytical procedures including sample dilutions, centrifugation, and optical density analyses.
    • Characterize proteins and bacterial lysates using UPLC, SDS-PAGE, and ELISA.
    • Maintain pilot plant equipment, instruments, supplies, and inventory.
    • Ensure department is clean and organized at all times and free of hazards and safety violations, maintain areas in high state of cleanliness and organization.
    • Interpret and present experimental data to scientific, engineering, and leadership teams.

    QUALIFICATIONS

    • [Required] Direct experience working with microbial fermentation.
    • [Required] BS (+2 years experience) or related MS, in Bioengineering, Biochemistry, Synthetic Biology, Biological Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Chemical Engineering, or related fields.
    • Familiarity with fermenters, centrifuges, filtration equipment, and purification columns.
    • Strong attention to detail and experience in aseptic techniques
    • Ability to work in a fast-paced small company environment with a drive to creatively solve problems around how to speed up protein therapeutic development and experimental workflows.
    • Ability to work as part of a team in a collaborative environment to accomplish the company's upstream goals.
    • Availability to work night-shift hours at our Oakland, CA location.
    • High intrinsic motivation and a desire to learn new techniques.

    Our work environment is focused on treating everyone on our team with respect, fostering a collaborative environment, taking ownership of our work, learning new skills, and having fun.

    This is a contract position with competitive compensation and opportunity for renewal.