Bioprocess Scientist

ABOUT AIR PROTEIN

Imagine a meat company unlike anything that has come before! Air Protein™ is on a mission to impact climate change by revolutionizing how we make meat. Founded in 2019, we make protein from elements of the air.

Air Protein is a modern food company, crafting the world’s first air-based meats to feed us more sustainably, help renew the planet’s resources and eliminate compromise between nutrition, taste and climate impact. Using novel technology inspired by NASA, we convert elements found in the air around us into protein using probiotic cultures, then turn those proteins into any meat imaginable. It’s where cutting-edge science meets bold ambition to reinvent the way we eat.

Join our team of passionate scientists, engineers, and business leaders working to transform the future of food with solutions we never thought possible, creating meat that is nutritious, delicious and more sustainable. Air Protein uses less land, less water and is significantly faster to make than any other meat available.

In addition to the chance to work with cutting edge technology to help combat climate change and working toward addressing the impending food crisis, Air Protein employees also enjoy competitive benefits and total compensation plans and a collaborative company culture. If you join us on this relentless pursuit for more, changing the world will soon feel as natural as taking a breath.

Air Protein is funded by ADM, a world leader in fermentation technology, GV (formerly Google Ventures), and Barclays, one of the world’s leading financial institutions.

Candidates will need to be based in California with the ability to work remotely but have the ability to travel to our headquarters in Pleasanton, CA when needed (Relocation Provided)

ABOUT THE JOB

The Bioprocess Scientist is an experienced chemical engineer, biochemical engineer, biochemist, scientist, or related occupation that is responsible for the safe operation of fermentation systems in the company.   This role would play a significant part in optimizing the fermentation process.

This role is actively responsible to:

• Operate, troubleshoot, and optimize bioreactors and/or fermenters at the lab, pilot, and commercial scale under the direction of a Sr. Biochemical Engineer, Plant Operations Manager, or Director of Process Technologies.
• Install, setup, and commission laboratory-scale bioreactors.
• Participate in the commissioning and start-up of pilot-scale and commercial scale fermentation lines.
• Apply scientific principles in the experimental planning and operation of bioreactors and/or fermentation.
• Review literature and journal articles to inform program efforts, develop hypothesis, and design experiments to test hypothesis with the goal of improve fermentation process.
• Communicate findings to internal project teams.
• Develop and follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).
• Develop and implement improved aseptic procedures.
• Write technical documentation including recording in laboratory notebooks / electronic. notebooks, reports, and Standard Operating Procedures.
• Preparing and giving presentations to internal teams.
• Assist with the implementation and maintenance of Management of Change (MoC) systems specific to the fermentation operations.
• Maintain safety in the operation of fermenters/bioreactors and support Project Safety Management (PSM) for the facility.

ABOUT YOU

• Chemical engineering degree, biochemical engineering degree, life sciences degree, biochemistry degree, or similar with 2-5 years of experience in a biotech, pharmaceutical, biofuel, or food fermentation operations role.
• Expertise in cGMP food and/or pharmaceutical operations.
• Able to recognize when optimization, correction, or custom changes are necessary - ability to troubleshoot and manage operations.
• Excellent communication skills, particularly the ability to thoroughly document experimental and operation activities and details.
• Experience in gas fermentation is an asset.
• Experience with safely using hazardous gases and high-pressure systems is an asset.
• Professional experience in roles requiring both independent creativity and collaboration with multiple stakeholders.

Air Protein is an equal opportunity employer.
At Air Protein, we are committed to providing equal opportunities and encourage all people inclusive of all races, color, creed, religion, age, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, mental and physical ability, age, ancestry, medical condition, or any other status protected by law to consider joining our team. Because we value a diverse workplace, we prioritize an inclusive climate absent of discrimination and harassment during the application process and while you are a part of our team. If you are passionate about Air Protein's values and mission and think you have what it takes to be successful in this role even if you don’t check all the boxes, please apply!

Disclaimer:  This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed, and it is not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.