Phycologist

Posted September 3, 2010 12:00 AM    

Sapphire Energy is a venture capital backed company developing next generation biofuels based on recent advances in metabolic engineering. The company’s focus is the commercialization of high performance, low cost, and low carbon footprint biofuels that are direct replacements for conventional gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel.

We are seeking an energetic, results-oriented Phycologist to join our R&D team. Level and compensation will depend on background and experience. You will work on the development of improved strains for outdoor growth of microalgae.

Requirements:

• Doctoral degree in phycology, microbiology, molecular biology, biology, plant biology, or related field.
• Experience in algal genetics is essential: design and execution of screens for altered genetic characteristics; genetics and molecular genetics related to mutation identification / localization; algal mating, segregation analysis, etc.
• Experience with non-standard / non-model organism algae is highly desirable
• Experience in algal physiology measurements: measurements of photosynthesis and experimental techniques (e.g., photosynthetic rate, oxygen evolution, fluorescence, spectroscopy, PSI, PSII, dark reactions, determination of chlorophyll content and type)
• Ability to participate in interdisciplinary teams.
• Due to the highly collaborative nature of this position, interpersonal and communication skills are extremely important.
• Critical thinking and problem solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to independently design, execute, troubleshoot and interpret experiments.
• Proficiency in written and oral presentations.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Design and execution of experiments in the areas of microbiology, genetics, molecular biology, and physiology of algae.
• Creativity and the ability to work within and lead a team in order to achieve technical and corporate milestones.
• Provide example of professionalism and proficiency for the laboratory staff.

Sapphire offers very competitive compensation packages including bonuses and equity, as well as full benefit packages, which include health, dental, vision insurance, 401k, and paid time off. To apply, please send your CV and cover letter to human.resources@sapphireenergy.com and reference "Phycologist" in the subject line.