Industrial Microbiologist

Posted May 10, 2010 12:00 AM    

Department: Development

Location: San Diego, CA / 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 Industrial Microbiologist to join our R&D team. You will work on the development of processes for 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, Chemical Engineering, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry or related discipline.
• 7+ years of R&D experience, minimum 5 years in microbial fermentation industry.
• 3+ years of demonstrated leadership, strategic capabilities, and management experience in biotechnology.
• Knowledge and understanding of cell biology, media development, mass and energy balance is essential.
• Scale-up experience of commercial fermentation processes.
• Deep specialized knowledge in one or more of the following areas: strain development, fermentation principles and operations, biochemistry, enzymology, metabolic engineering, or microbial physiology.
• Track record of developing and delivering biotechnology solutions for multiple businesses or industries.
• The ability to work in a project-oriented environment and interface effectively with other groups in the company is essential.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Experience in managing complex processes.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Development of strains and 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 an R&D team focused on the above.
• This position will interact with the strain development, process development, and technical and engineering operations, field piloting, and analytical groups.
• Recruit and train of new scientists and research associates.
• 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 “Industrial Microbiologist” in the subject line.