Bioprocess Technician - Downstream Process

ABOUT AIR PROTEIN

At Air Protein, we’re passionate about creating a new food system–one that pushes the boundaries of what anyone thought was possible and builds a healthy relationship between our food and our planet. This is a new era of sustainable production; we can use less and make more. We can feed the growing global population without destroying rainforests or warming the planet. Join our diverse team of passionate scientists, engineers, and business leaders working to create the future of food—meat made from elements of the air.

As an innovative food company, we are crafting the world’s first air-based meats to eliminate compromise between nutrition, taste and climate impact.  Using novel technology inspired by NASA, we convert elements found in the air into protein. Air Protein’s process is carbon-negative by design, using less land and water, and is powered by renewable energy. It’s where cutting-edge science meets bold ambition to reinvent the way we eat.

We’re currently seeking a Bioprocess Technician - Downstream Processing to join our extraordinary team.

• Have you supported small scale and pilot plant downstream processing labs for R&D projects?

• Have you designed, planned, executed, and analyzed scalable process experiments in lab and pilot plant scale?

• Do you have an expertise in cGMP food and/or pharmaceutical operations?

• Do you have strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills?

If you answered yes to these questions, then WE WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!

Benefits & Perks:

In addition to the chance to work with a world-class team and cutting-edge technology to help combat climate change and address the impending food crisis, Air Protein employees also enjoy competitive benefits. We offer unlimited PTO, parental leave, 401K match, and compensation plans that include employee equity. Air Protein invests in employee development and the company culture is shaped by shared values:

• Protect people & the planet
• Play as a team and have a growth mindset
• Do what you say you will do
• Be the change you seek
• Create a culture of belonging

The Role:

The Bioprocess Technician - Downstream Process (DSP) is an experienced engineer, scientist, or technician that is responsible for the safe operation of downstream processing systems in both laboratory and pilot scale in the company.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support small scale and pilot plant Downstream Process (DSP) lab of R&D projects
• Support R&D prototype production and maintain records of inventory and prototype analytics
• Setup and operate various lab scale downstream processing unit operation and proper documentation
• Participate in continuous improvement efforts to increase process and product quality and service levels, improve process safety, efficiency and reliability
• Participate in the commissioning and start-up of pilot-scale downstream processing lines
• Write technical documentation including recording in laboratory notebooks / electronic notebooks, reports, and Standard Operating Procedures
• Communicate findings to internal project teams
• Maintain operation safety and support Project Safety Management (PSM) for the facility

Qualifications

• High school diploma with relevant experience or associate’s degree in a technical or sciences field

• 5+ years of experience in a biotech, pharmaceutical, biofuel, or food fermentation operations

• Relevant laboratory or pilot plant experience

• Expertise in cGMP food and/or pharmaceutical operations

• Ability to lift 50 lbs

• Experience with safely using hazardous gasses and high-pressure gas systems

• Basic computer skills

Skills & Qualities

• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills
• Able to recognize when optimization, correction, or custom changes are necessary - ability to troubleshoot and manage operations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to work and collaborate with a team
• Excellent communication skills, particularly the ability to thoroughly document operation activities and details.

Check us out in the media, news, and in the community:

• Forbes: The Meatless Mafia: Four Companies Revolutionizing the Future of Food
• World Economic Forum: Air Protein Named WEF Technology Pioneer
• TED Talk: A forgotten Space Age Technology Could Change How We Grow Food
• Bloomberg: Crop Trader ADM Pours Money Into Firm Making Meat Out of Air

Air Protein is an equal opportunity employer.

At Air Protein, we are committed to providing equal opportunities. Because we want the absolute best people, we enthusiastically invite people of every race, color, orientation, age, gender, origin, and ability – or any other status protected by law – to apply to join our team.

Research has shown that women and people from marginalized groups may not apply for a role if they aren't a 100% match.  Please don't hold back.  If you think you will excel in this role, but perhaps you don’t tick every box, we'd appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.