Fermentation Scientist – Process Development
Houston, TX
The Company
Cemvita pioneers BioSolutions for the energy transition. Our carbon-reducing technologies are relevant to many industries including oil & gas, chemicals, and mining. Cemvita's sustainable vision and pragmatic approach to
technology development and deployment has attracted world-class clients and investors who share our passion for a net-zero economy.
The Opportunity
The Fermentation Scientist is an integral part of the Bioprocess team in Houston. This position is responsible for the bioreactor operation and optimizing upstream processing at bench scale. In this position, you’ll have the opportunity to innovate, design and lead projects, mentor and lead research staff, interact with diverse stakeholders, and more.
Responsibilities
- Lead process development initiatives to develop and refine various microbial processes
- Design and conduct bench-scale experiments with anaerobic cultures aimed at measuring and improving upstream KPIs
- Support various aspects of anaerobic process scale-up
- Apply DOE designs to fermentation studies at bench scale for process optimization
- Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to anaerobic cultivation processes.
- Author and modify standard operating protocols as needed
- Contribute to process improvement efforts on experimental design and data processing
- Effectively communicate outcomes of studies, recommendations, and next steps to bioprocess leadership
- Mentor junior research team members and help with lab scheduling, organizing, and execution of experiments.
- Analyze and present data in suitable visual or tabular form
- Conduct literature review to stay abreast with the new technologies, processes, and protocols
- Consistently demonstrate company core values
Requirements
- MS or PhD in Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering or a related field
- MS 2+ and PhD 0+ years of industrial or academic work experience in microbial fermentation; DSP is a plus
- Experience running fermenters including setup, sampling, process development, and troubleshooting hardware and software
- Experience with anaerobic culturing
- Be a quick learner and open to adopting new methods and techniques
- Authorized to work in the United States without restriction
Nice to have
- Prior experience at a biotech startup
- Ability to work after hours and/or on weekends occasionally, as needed
- Experience in statistical data analysis and programming languages
- Experience working with biochemistry analyzers
- Experience in gas fermentation
What we offer
- Competitive compensation packages that include bonus and equity
- 401k with company match
- Generous PTO, sick time, and paid holidays
- Vibrant office spaces and diverse workforce
- Well-equipped laboratories
- Medical, dental, vision, short- and long-term disability
Cemvita was founded in 2017 in Houston and expanded to Denver in 2020. We are a multidisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs, harnessing our distinctive skills to create a better future, empowered by the Cemvita Code:
- Mission minded - we measure everything we do against our larger mission and purpose.
- Pioneering and persistent - we find new answers with curiosity and persistence.
- Caring and candid - we build trust by communicating openly and listening to learn.
- Responsible for results - we take personal ownership of the results we deliver.