About Willow Biosciences:

Willow Biosciences is a synthetic biology company focused on the development of biobased processes to produce ingredients, including those for consumer care, food & beverage, and pharmaceuticals. Our scientists engineer organisms to produce plant-, animal-, and petrochemical-derived ingredients through precision fermentation. Our fully integrated processes are more sustainable, secure, and cost-effective than traditional extraction or chemical synthesis routes and typically provide final products in higher purity.

Mission, Values, and Beliefs

It is rewarding to work at a company where people genuinely believe in what they are doing. At Willow Biosciences, we are committed to bringing high-purity compounds to market through scalable and cost-effective bio-based processes. We work hard, we are serious about what we do, and we like to have fun while we are at it!

Position: Fermentation Scientist

This position is for a highly motivated and experienced Fermentation Scientist with a strong desire to work in a fast-paced, collaborative startup environment. The individual will lead projects developing, optimizing, advancing, and scaling fermentation processes within the company. The successful candidate will have a strong understanding of molecular biology as well as expertise in microbial fermentation (yeast), experimental design, and a deep understanding of scale-up and scale-down processes. The Lead/Senior Fermentation Scientist is responsible for screening microbes to identify those with improved performance at various scales and transferring technologies between Willow and our technology and manufacturing partners.

Education: Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Chemistry, or a related field.

Experience: 2+ years of industry experience is required (5+ preferred) and experience in fermentation technology, process development, and scale-up in an industrial research setting is ideal. We prefer candidates who are familiar with a variety of bench-scale fermentation units and who have experience working with or alongside small-scale (microtiter plates) and manufacturing-scale fermentation processes.

Location: Mountain View, CA US

Job Description:

• Develop and optimize an in-house yeast strain fermentation program;
• Address critical issues in fermentation. Set and execute the strategic direction for process development;
• Work independently and with partners for ongoing troubleshooting and process improvements through novel and creative scientific approaches;
• Lead strain characterization and scale-down of fermentation processes for a variety of microbes;
• Actively participate in the fermentation development process to improve robustness, performance, and cost-effectiveness by suggesting and implementing process improvements;
• Manage Scientists and Research Associates working on a variety of projects and targets;
• Lead internal and external technology transfer projects.

Required Skills:

• Experience working with various microbes, fermentation processes, and product types;
• Strong understanding of the connection between microbial physiology and process performance;
• Familiarity with analytical chemistry/assay methods, automation systems, and Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS);
• Strong data analysis and statistical skills, including the use of JMP or similar software and control charts to monitor and analyze results;
• Outstanding team player with strong interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal);
• Experience managing technical staff and working on multiple simultaneous programs;
• Capable of high-performance work in an independent and team setting;
• Attention to detail, good laboratory practice, and maintenance of a high degree of accuracy;
• Strong desire to grow, learn, and adopt new technologies and techniques for process improvements.

Physical Demands:

• Remaining in a seated or standing position for extended periods
• Performing repetitive tasks with hands, fingers, and wrists
• Use of standard lab PPE (lab coats, safety glasses, and gloves)

Position Type: Full-time position

Travel: Not required

Work Authorization : Authorized to work in the US.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary package, 401k, healthcare benefits, medical, vision & dental
• Paid vacation and company holidays
• Life / AD&D, Short-term and Long-term Disability Insurance
• Opportunities for professional development
• Snacks, weekly lunch, company, and team-wide social events

Equal Opportunity Employment

Willow Biosciences is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or any other applicable legally protected characteristics. All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit, and business need.