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: Associate Scientist, Fermentation
We are seeking an experienced Associate Scientist who will focus on microbial fermentation process development for small molecule production and will be part of a dynamic team responsible for bioprocess R&D and scale-up.
Location: Mountain View, CA US
Education: BS/MS in Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, or related discipline.
Experience: 2 or more years of demonstrated experience in the development of microbial fermentation processes.
Responsibilities Include:
- Conduct fermentation experiments by performing bioreactor setup and sampling
- Analyze processing samples, using biological, biochemical, and analytical chemistry assay techniques
- Perform recovery experiments using unit operations such as homogenization, centrifugation, depth filtration, microfiltration, and ultrafiltration
- Communicate experimental results to the project team
- Participate in daily operation and routine maintenance/housekeeping of process and analytical equipment
- Maintain a clean, organized, and tidy lab environment. Maintain chemicals and consumables stocking, etc.
- Maintain lab notebooks, and write reports and SOPs.
Job Requirements:
- Experience with USP development and optimization of microbial fermentation processes a must
- Experience with DSP unit operations such as homogenization, centrifugation, depth filtration, microfiltration, and ultrafiltration is a plus
- Strong Biochemistry and Analytical Chemistry skills with experience in various assay techniques such as HPLC, enzyme activity assays, protein assays, etc.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication (oral and written) skills, documentation, organization, good record keeping, writing reports, and SOPs
- Ability to take ownership, prioritize responsibilities, multi-task, and remain flexible with changing needs
- Must be motivated and able to work under tight deadlines
- Attention to detail, safety, and good laboratory practice
- Ability to communicate/present work and analysis to audiences with diverse technical backgrounds
- Work in partnership with other scientists (molecular biologists, computational biologists, and analytical scientists) to meet company goals/milestones
- Are curious, creative, and tenacious
- Model our core values and believe in our mission
Preferred Qualifications:
- 4 or more years of experience in microbial fermentation process development
- Previous experience in a startup or lean environment for biotech R&D
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.