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Scientist, Fermentation R&D

Willow Biosciences

Scientist, Fermentation R&D

National
Full Time
Paid
  • Responsibilities

    ABOUT WILLOW BIOSCIENCES:

    Our multidisciplinary team of world-leading discovery biologists, biochemists, geneticists, and fermentation process engineers are dedicated to harnessing the therapeutic potential of plants. We are applying our unique design-build process and our proven track record to the biosynthesis of cannabinoids. 

    JOIN OUR TEAM:

    It’s fun to work at a company where people truly believe in what they are doing. At Willow Biosciences, we are committed to bringing high-purity, plant derived compounds for the treatment of pain, anxiety, obesity, brain disorders, among other significant indications to market. We work hard, we’re serious about what we do, and we like to have fun too.

    JOB LISTING: SCIENTIST, FERMENTATION R&D

    We are seeking an experienced 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.

    EDUCATION: BS, MS or PhD in Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, or related discipline.

    EXPERIENCE: BS with 10+, MS with 7+ or PhD with 3+ years’ of demonstrated industrial experience in development of microbial fermentation processes.

    RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE: 

    • Design and conduct fermentation experiments to meet the Titer, Yield and Productivity goals 
    • Identify or develop and implement strategies for production cost reduction
    • Develop strategies for media optimization and strain screening 
    • Setup and operate bench-top fermenters
    • Analyze processing samples using biological, biochemical, and analytical chemistry assay techniques
    • Perform primary recovery development experiments 
    • Mentor others as necessary
    • Collaborate with internal groups and external CROs and CMOs 
    • Analyze large set of data and communicate results to the project team
    • Participate in daily operation and routine upkeep of fermentation equipment
    • Maintain lab notebooks, write reports and SOPs

    JOB REQUIREMENTS:                    

    • Experience with USP development, optimization and scale up of microbial fermentation processes a must
    • Experience using the DoE methodology for the development and optimization of fermentation processes
    • Extensive experience with the setup and operation of bench-scale bioreactors for medium and high cell density batch & fed-batch fermentations
    • Extensive knowledge of chemical engineering principles, biochemical processes, and microbial fermentation
    • Experience designing & analyzing fermentation experiments for strain screening and/or scale-up
    • Experience using tools and software to analyze large datasets
    • 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
    • Excellent interpersonal and communication (oral and written) skills, documentation, organization, good record keeping, writing reports and SOPs
    • 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
    • Should be curious, creative and tenacious

    PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

    • Microbial fermentation experience
    • Direct experience developing and scaling yeast-based fermentation processes 
    • Experience with DSP unit operations such as homogenization, centrifugation, filtration, chromatography 
    • Experience with small molecules that are produced during fermentation as a gas, solid, or liquid 
    • Previous experience in 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 

    • No

    WORK AUTHORIZATION 

    • Authorized to work in the US

    BENEFITS AND PERKS:

    • Healthcare benefits – medical, vision, dental
    • Four weeks of paid vacation plus company holidays
    • Life / AD&D, Short-term and Long-term Disability Insurance
    • 401k
    • Flexible schedule
    • Opportunities for professional development 
    • Snacks, weekly happy hours and 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 upon 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 on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need.