Senior Scientist

Posted April 20, 2010 12:00 AM    

Department: Development

Location: Las Cruces, NM

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 Sr. Scientist to join our R&D team. You will work on the field testing of outdoor growth of microalgae, including media development, growth optimization, and contamination prevention and control strategies.

Requirements:

• Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Microbiology, Environmental Microbiology, Microbial Physiology, Microbial Ecology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Plant physiology, Plant-Pathogen Interactions, Phycology or related discipline.
• Deep specialized knowledge in one or more of the following areas: strain development, media development, microbial physiology, plant physiology, biochemistry, or fermentation principles and operations
• 7+ years of R&D experience, minimum 5 years of industry experience.
• 3+ years of demonstrated leadership, strategic capabilities, and management experience in biotechnology; experience managing R&D field testing programs is desirable.
• Strong background in a wide variety of molecular assays including PCR, cloning, and sequence analysis.
• Experience with bright-field and fluorescence microscopy is an advantage.
• Experience with any of the following techniques is highly desirable: qPCR, southern and northern blotting, SDS-PAGE and western blotting.
• Demonstrated ability to independently design, execute, troubleshoot, and interpret experiments.
• Exceptional critical thinking and problem solving skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills (written and oral).
• The ability to work in a project-oriented environment and interface effectively with other groups in the company is essential.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Development and testing of processes for growth of microalgae, including media development, growth optimization, and contamination prevention and control strategies.
• Design and execute experiments; analyze data and interpret results; communicate results to other members of the R&D team.
• Management of a development team focused on the above.
• This position will interact with the molecular biology, strain development, technical and engineering operations, field piloting, and analytical departments.
• Provide example of professionalism 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 with “Sr. Scientist” in the subject line.