Fermentation Technician

Description

The Fermentation Technician will work closely with fermentation engineers conducting experiments around anaerobic and aerobic bioprocesses, physical and chemical separation, pilot plant testing and troubleshooting, analytical chemistry, analytical biology, process modeling, and general research. The Fermentation Technician position will primarily be located in the Micromidas West Sacramento facility, but may require some field work.

Required

BA/BS in biology, chemistry, or engineering
Minimum 4 years of similar experience are required. Attention to detail and record keeping skills
Strong computer skills
Full-time and some weekends required

Senior Analytical Chemist

Position Overview

Micromidas, a bioengineering startup company, has established a position for a senior analytical chemist responsible for developing analytical methods and interpreting the data across the organization. The analytical methods must ensure high quality data and rapid turn-around times. The successful candidate will have experience interfacing with internal departments, transferring process control methods, and supporting manufacturing and scale-up activities.

Responsibilities

  • Oversee the analytical operations
  • Develop methods for rapid turn-around of routine samples, utilizing both direct analysis and derivatization techniques
  • Develop and manage a quality assurance plan
  • Ensure consistency between R&D, pilot, and manufacturing production output
  • Work closely with the process development team to monitor R&D experiments
  • Present work at internal and external meetings

Requirements

  • Strong experience with gas and liquid chromatography
  • The ability to read and analyze a mass spectrum
  • Ph.D. degree in analytical chemistry or related discipline and 3+ years experience
  • Possess strong hands-on chemistry technique
  • Excellent cross-functional communication
  • Strong desire to work in a start-up environment
  • Proficiency in writing and giving oral presentations
  • Biochemistry or polymer chemistry experience is desirable

Pilot Plant Technician

Position Overview

Micromidas, Inc. is seeking a technician capable of working with Fermentation and Process Design Engineers to set up and maintain pilot plant and research equipment and facilities. The successful candidate will have: experience with wiring electrical devices, basic machining and pipe fitting skills, good communication and troubleshooting skills, and the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

  • Set up, operate, and troubleshoot process equipment and bioreactors at different scales
  • Prepare microbial fermentation batches according to records and/or SOP's
  • Clean and autoclave process equipment
  • Basic machining, make tubing/hosing assemblies
  • Electrical wiring and operation of pumps, VFD's, compressors, etc. as well as analytical probes and transmitters.
  • Perform other routine basic housekeeping and laboratory tasks.

Requirements

  • 5-10 years of industrial lab or process experience
  • Ability to multitask, collaborate, and communicate effectively with (other) pilot plant engineers
  • Basic machining and pipe-fitting skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Strong desire to work in a start-up environment
  • Knowledge of electrical circuits and electrical wiring skills
  • Knowledge of control relay logic and welding skills preferred, but not required.

Fermentation Scientist

Position Overview

Micromidas is seeking a fermentation scientist to develop and optimize microbial fermentations for the production of PHA bioplastics. The successful candidate will interact closely with other fermentation researchers, analytical chemists, microbiologists, and engineers to further develop, optimize, and scale the fermentation process.

Responsibilities

  • Design and run microbial fermentation experiments
  • Stay abreast of the latest scientific research and apply that understanding toward development objectives
  • Lead fermentation research group
  • Develop and optimize fermentation process
  • Provide insight and help troubleshoot scale-up
  • Present findings internally and to external groups

Requirements

  • Ph.D. in biochemical engineering, chemical engineering, microbiology, or related disciple with 3 years of experience.
  • Hands-on microbial fermentation experience and familiarity with analytical techniques necessary for monitoring fermentation performance
  • Experience in rational and statistical design of experiments related to fermentation optimization and process modeling
  • Desire to work within a start-up environment
  • Leadership and collaborative skills to accomplish projects

Biological Scientist

Position Overview

We are currently seeking a Biological Scientist to carry out independent research projects and provide assistance with ongoing experimentation and process design.

Responsibilities

  • Develop high-quality protocols to forward company research goals
  • Design and execute experiments to solve dynamic problems
  • Assist laboratory team with experimental setup and design
  • Stay current with scientific literature
  • Present work at internal and external meetings
  • General lab support and maintenance (15% of time)

Requirements

  • B.S. in Microbiology or a related field and 1+ years experience
  • Demonstrated proficiency in basic laboratory skills including asceptic technique, culture maintenance, media preparation, and safe laboratory skills
  • Ability to maintain an accurate laboratory notebook
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present research data
  • Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team
  • Ability to work independently and handle multiple projects at the same time
  • Experience with bacterial transformations, plasmid DNA extraction, polymerase chain reaction, and agarose gel electrophoresis is highly preferred
  • The ideal candidate has experience with flow cytometry, bioreactor/fermentor operation, and fluorescence microscopy.

Analytical Chemist

Position Overview

Perform chemical laboratory assignments requiring the use of standard chemical principles and methods. Develop and validate methods and processes which require a comprehensive understanding of organic chemistry and analytical laboratory techniques. Perform routine extractions, syntheses, GPC/HPLC, and GC/MS measurements. Work with a multidisciplinary team in a startup environment, which will include active participation in team meetings and preparation and presentation of reports.

Responsibilities

  • 20% - Develop and validate new methods and processes for product and feedstock analysis.
  • 40% - Perform routine extractions, syntheses and analytical measurements following established methods that require a comprehensive knowledge of general laboratory techniques.
  • 20% - Reviews/approves tests and experiments conducted by laboratory personnel.
  • 10% - Integrate with other disciplines to report findings and recommendations.
  • 10% - Perform experiments and maintenance of analytical equipment as required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in chemistry and five years related technical experience or Master’s degree with 2 years related technical experience. Must have experience in an analytical laboratory working with GC/MS and HPLC. Knowledge of Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) is also preferred, but not required.