Research Associate (Fermentation)

TL;DR

Research Associate (Fermentation): Executing fermentation experiments and operating bioreactors to develop high-performance sustainable fats and oils with an accent on bioprocess engineering and strain characterization. Focus on scaling from lab to pilot scale, ensuring reproducible lab techniques, and maintaining high safety standards in a biotechnology environment.

Location: Alameda, CA, USA. Must be legally authorized to work in the United States (no sponsorship provided).

Salary: $70,000 – $95,000 annually

Company

Biotechnology company focused on harnessing nature's molecular building blocks through precision fermentation for sustainable fats and oils.

What you will do

• Plan and execute fermentation experiments, including setup, sampling, and data interpretation.
• Prepare production media and buffers, and operate bioreactors from lab to pilot scale.
• Assess and characterize microbial strain performance using reproducible lab techniques.
• Maintain high-quality documentation and records for newly developed approaches.
• Uphold a strong safety culture by identifying and mitigating unsafe conditions.
• Follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all laboratory operations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Microbiology, Bioprocess Engineering, or a related field.
• 1-5 years of relevant experience, preferably in fermentation and bioreactor operation.
• Ability to analyze fermentation data and troubleshoot critical issues.
• Legally authorized to work in the US on a full-time basis (no sponsorship).
• Ability to lift 50 lbs and work weekend days as needed.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Nice to have

• Experience with various bench-scale fermentation bioreactors.
• Downstream processing experience (drying, mechanical press, refining, bleaching, deodorizing oil).

Culture & Benefits

• Competitive benefits and compensation package.
• Focus on real-world impact through the intersection of science and sustainability.
• Team-oriented, fast-paced research environment.