Scientist - Protein Biochemistry

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 Scientist - Protein Biochemistry (Food Ingredients) to join our extraordinary team.

• Are you experienced with characterizing the composition of microbial biomass using approaches such as multi-omics**?**

• Are you skilled at optimizing pilot and demonstration plants?

• Are you an expert at method development for innovation?

• Do you love creating a culture of safety on your teams?

• Have you worked with proteins and/or have robust knowledge of protein purification?

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 Scientist - Protein Biochemistry (Food Ingredients) is responsible for defining, characterizing, modifying, and delivering novel protein ingredients and will work closely with strain development, bioprocessing, and product development teams to formulate meat analog products. This position will be based in the SF/Bay Area and will require a candidate to either live locally or relocate to the area. Full relocation provided.

Key Responsibilities:

• Implement processes for evaluating the functional behavior of our protein ingredients
• Design small-scale functional assays
• Build new capabilities for identification and quantitation of proteins and peptides
• Develop methods to extract, analyze and screen for the function of novel protein ingredients
• Perform protein characterization using UV-Vis, SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, ELISA, mass spectrometry, and light-scattering
• Execute protein purification with affinity, size exclusion, ion exchange, and hydrophobic interaction chromatography
• Document batch to batch variability and analytics
• Establish quality metrics
• Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams with diverse scientific backgrounds
• Communicate results in a timely fashion to internal stakeholders

Qualifications:

• PhD in biochemistry, protein science, molecular biology, chemical engineering, or related field
• 0 – 8 years of postdoc or industry experience
• Relevant industry experience working in protein biochemistry labs

Skills & Qualities:

• Understanding of protein functionality and application to food production systems
• Strong hands-on wet-lab skills
• Demonstrated ability to design and run scientific experiments
• Demonstrated expertise in method development
• Understanding of fermentation and protein downstream processing procedures

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.