Sapphire Energy, Inc.

San Diego Science Festival - Expo Day

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 19:46:29 GMT

ABO Annual Members Meeting

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 19:45:31 GMT

Global New Energy Summit 2010

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 19:44:14 GMT

World Biofuels Markets 2010 Conference and Exhibition

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 19:25:26 GMT

Research Associate

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:24:58 GMT

Department: Strain Evaluation

Location: San Diego, CA

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 seek a motivated algae physiologist to join the Strain Evaluation team.

Responsibilities:

Evaluation and quality control of strains generated in the lab. The daily duties will involve characterization of new strains including growth at different media and environmental conditions – in various growth systems and reactors.
Growth and maintenance of fresh cultures for experiments and on plates.
Analyze data, prepare scientific reports and present to co-workers.
Other standard microbiological activities.

Qualifications:

Prior knowledge and experience with microbiology and sterile work is required.
Prior knowledge and experience in algal physiology and microscopy is preferred.
Detail oriented and very organized.
Comfortable with calculations and charting using Microsoft Excel.
Able to remain focused under pressure, prioritize daily duties and can be clear and concise when organizing and presenting data.
This position requires fulfilling certain weekend duties.

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 RA, Strain Evaluation in the subject.

Upstream Section Leader

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:46:41 GMT

Department: Scientific Operations

Location: San Diego, California

We are seeking a Section Leader to join our Upstream Research staff in San Diego, California.

Requirements:

An advanced degree in biological sciences or related field, a minimum of 5 years post-graduate laboratory experience; industry experience required.
Demonstrated ability to independently design, execute, troubleshoot and interpret experiments.
Broad and deep understanding of molecular biology techniques as applied to both eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms.
Significant experience in design and implementation of novel expression systems.
Strong management and leadership skills; comfort with leadership & accountability.
Creativity and the ability to lead and/or work within an interdisciplinary team to in order to achieve technical and corporate milestones.
Exceptional critical thinking and problem solving skills.
Due to the highly collaborative nature of this position, interpersonal and communications skills will be extremely important.
Proficiency in writing and oral presentations.
Must be able to lead and aggressively drive scientific achievements in a fast-paced, highly dynamic environment.

The Upstream Section Leader reports to the Vice President of Technology.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Outline, design and lead a scientific program that will:

Develop and improve transformation and expression platforms for novel microorganism

Modify microbial metabolism

Provide an example of and training in scientific excellence for the laboratory staff.
Make and record detailed observations, analyze data, and interpret results.
Detailing scientific programming with direct reports, including meeting schedules, tracking weekly action items and other project management tools.
Preparing and updating project plans, maintenance or modification of project plan documentation and the preparation/distribution of project status reports, including quarterly goals, deliverables, milestones, and required tasks.
Preparing briefs and presentations.
Work with the Operations Manager to coordinate operational and support services for direct reports and group projects, including ensuring training for scientific staff and providing technical input to purchasing and other functional areas as required.
Working with the legal department to write patents and to ensure document management and application deadlines.
Recruit, screen and train new scientists and research associates as staffing requirements necessitate.
Provide example of professionalism and proficiency for the laboratory staff.
Other tasks/duties as assigned.

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 “Section Leader” in the subject line.

SAPPHIRE ENERGY SIGNS TOP CFO AND PRESIDENT OF INTERNATIONAL

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 15:31:20 GMT

Former U.S. Export-Import Bank and TARP Executive James Lambright to Drive International Expansion Efforts

SAN DIEGO, March 1, 2010 – On the heels of being awarded more than $104 million in federal funds, Sapphire Energy continues to establish itself as the foremost algae-based energy company with its latest executive addition to its global team. James Lambright, former head of the U.S. Export-Import Bank and Chief Investment Officer of the U.S. Treasury Department’s Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP), is joining the leading-edge green energy producer as Chief Financial Officer and President, International, effective March 1.

A respected leader in the private and public financial sectors, Lambright rounds out an already impressive leadership team, which, since 2008, has focused its efforts on producing a scalable, renewable, low carbon liquid transportation fuel from algae, sunlight and CO2.

In this newly created role, Lambright will expand Sapphire’s presence in international markets where, just like America, complex energy needs dominate the agenda.

“No matter the issue – climate change, national energy security, or job creation – Sapphire Energy is poised with a solution – Green Crude,” says Jason Pyle, CEO of Sapphire Energy. “We have unequaled expertise in science, energy, and transportation. And now with Jim on board, we’ve added a depth of international markets and finance experience unmatched in our industry. That, plus the recent federal funding award and our healthy independent investment funds, positions Sapphire well down the path to make Green Crude commercial-ready.”

Adds Lambright: “Given its leading technology and incredible team of personnel and investors, Sapphire Energy is the perfect place to help address the most complex challenges facing economies around the world, those of energy security and the environment. I am excited to join the Sapphire team.”

Lambright’s experience in the financial markets is extensive. In 2006, the U.S. Senate confirmed his nomination as President and Chairman of the Board of the Export-Import Bank of the United States, the U.S. government's official export credit agency. There, he oversaw a $60 billion credit portfolio of project and export finance transactions in over 150 countries. In 2008, the U.S. Treasury Department named him Chief Investment Officer of the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP), a position he held until June 2009, where he and his team executed and managed over $400 billion of investments in banks, insurers, and auto manufacturers as part of the government’s response to the global financial crisis.

Lambright joined the U.S. Export-Import Bank in 2001 from Credit Suisse First Boston Corp. in Los Angeles where he was vice president, private equity. There, he specialized in the underwriting and negotiation of real estate and venture capital transactions. A native of St. Louis, MO, Lambright graduated with honors from Harvard Law School and received a bachelor of arts in linguistics from Stanford University. He is a Henry Crown Fellow of the Aspen Institute.

James H. Lambright

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 22:29:37 GMT

Jim Lambright joined Sapphire Energy after a distinguished career in the global financial arena. Formerly President & Chairman of the Board of the U.S. Export-Import Bank, the independent government corporation responsible for financing American exports to over 150 countries. Having taken the helm of Ex-Im Bank in 2005 after holding a series of staff and management positions, Jim oversaw a $60 billion credit portfolio of project and export finance transactions. Under Jim’s leadership, Ex-Im Bank became a self-financing institution operating without taxpayer funds. Jim served as a principal participant in the first five meetings of the U.S.-China Strategic Economic Dialogue initiated by President Hu and President Bush in 2006.

At the peak of the global financial crisis in the fall of 2008, United States Treasury Secretary Paulson asked Jim to assume the role of Chief Investment Officer the U.S. Treasury Department’s $700 billion Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP). There, he executed and managed TARP investments to optimize returns and prevent the collapse of the financial system. Jim and his team engineered investments in over 600 institutions, including the country’s largest banks, insurers, and auto manufacturers. Jim maintained his role at Ex-Im Bank during this time, and at the request of Treasury Secretary Geithner, Jim stayed on to facilitate a smooth transition to the Obama administration.

Mr. Lambright has successfully led organizations through the challenges lying at the intersection of finance, global markets, government, and a breadth of industries. He has been responsible for the successful completion of over $400 billion in financial transactions.

Jim Lambright began his career in private equity at Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette (later Credit Suisse) after receiving degrees from Stanford University and Harvard Law School.

Research Associate

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 04:19:23 GMT

Department: Microbiology

Location: San Diego, California

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 exceptional Research Associate to join our Microbiology staff in San Diego, CA.

Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in biology, microbiology, molecular biology, or related field, plus at least 1 year of applicable experience.
An understanding of microbial genetics is essential. Experience with unicellular algae a plus.
Ability to work in an exciting and demanding environment to meet aggressive deadlines.
Strong organizational skills.
Critical thinking and problem solving skills.
Demonstrated ability to independently design, execute, troubleshoot and interpret experiments.
Ability to participate in interdisciplinary teams.
• Due to the highly collaborative nature of this position, interpersonal and communication skills are extremely important.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Essential job functions include growing and maintaining cultures, sterile technique and other microbiology techniques such as titering cultures, mutagenesis and mutant selection / screening, transformation / electroporation, flow-cytometric analysis.
PCR, cloning, sequence analysis and other nucleic acid-based molecular biology techniques. Optimization of standard molecular biology techniques will be important.
Make and record detailed observations using a microscope.
Analyze data, and interpret results.

Scientist

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 22:45:02 GMT

Department: Molecular Biology

Location: San Diego, California

We are seeking an exceptional, highly motivated, innovative Scientist to join our Molecular Biology staff in San Diego, CA.

Requirements:

Advanced degree in Biology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Genetics or a related discipline, and 3 or more years of industrial (or equivalent postdoctoral) experience.
Strong management and leadership skills.
Exceptional critical thinking and problem solving skills.
Demonstrated ability to independently design, execute, troubleshoot and interpret experiments.
Ability to participate in interdisciplinary teams.
Due to the highly collaborative nature of this position, interpersonal and communications skills will be extremely important.
Proficiency in writing and oral presentations.
Creativity and the ability to work within a team to in order to achieve technical and business milestones.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

PCR, cloning, sequence analysis, and vector design. Southern and northern blot experience is highly desirable.
SDS-PAGE and Western blotting.
Design and execute experiments including high-throughput cloning and expression analysis.
Develop assays and criteria for characterization for molecular biology teams.
Participate in development of new gene expression platforms.
Make and record detailed observations, analyze data, and interpret results.
Recruit, screen and train of new research associates as needed.
Provide example of professionalism and proficiency for the laboratory staff .

Research Associate

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 22:49:53 GMT

Department: Molecular Biology

Location: San Diego, California

We are seeking an exceptional Research Associate to join our Molecular Biology staff in San Diego, CA.

Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in biology, microbiology, molecular biology, or related field, plus at least 1 year of applicable experience.
Strong organizational skills.
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.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Growing and maintaining cultures.
PCR, cloning, and sequence analysis.
SDS-PAGE and Western blotting.
Make and record detailed observations, analyze data, and interpret results.

Research Assistant

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 22:53:52 GMT

Department: Molecular Biology

Location: San Diego, CA

We are seeking an exceptional Research Assistant to join our Molecular Biology staff in San Diego, CA.

Requirements:

A Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences or related field and a minimum of 0 to 2 years laboratory experience.
Strong organizational skills.
Due to the highly collaborative nature of this position, interpersonal and communication skills are extremely important.
Critical thinking and problem solving skills.
Must be able to lift 50 lbs.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Picking up dirty glassware from locations within the laboratories.
Washing and drying glassware.
Sterilizing glassware and other items using an autoclave.
Distributing glassware to appropriate locations within the laboratories.
Maintaining the glasswashing facility, keeping it clean and swept.
Maintaining laboratory and greenhouse equipment and inventory levels for laboratory supplies.
Responsible for media preparation in the R&D staff; including troubleshooting problems and determining solutions.
Performing basic quality control on media produced for R&D staff.
Growing and maintaining cultures.
Maintaining record keeping for procedures and experiments performed.
Investigating, creating, and developing new media/methods for R&D staff.
Other related duties as required.

Upstream Research Project Assistant

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:31:34 GMT

Department: Scientific Operations

Location: San Diego, California

We are seeking a Project Assistant to join our Upstream Research staff in San Diego, California.

Requirements:

An advanced degree in biological sciences or related field, a minimum of 2 years laboratory experience, and a minimum of 2 years of applicable administrative or organization experience.
Must be familiar with Microsoft Office programs, in particular Outlook and PowerPoint.
Ability to work cooperatively and strategically in a team environment with all levels of professional, technical and administrative staff.
Must have excellent organizational and problem solving skills.
Comfort with leadership & accountability.
Must be able to work in a fast-paced, highly dynamic environment.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Assisting the VPT with detailing scientific programming with researchers and operations staff, including record keeping, meeting schedules, tracking weekly action items and other project management tools.
Collecting of project plan updates, maintenance or modification of project plan documentation and the preparation/distribution of project status reports.
Assisting the Section Leaders and/or VPT in the identification and scheduling of project deliverables, milestones, and required tasks, and/or establishing standards for project reporting and documentation.
Preparing briefs and presentations.
General filing.
Meeting and greeting visitors at all levels of seniority.
Work with the Operations Manager to coordinate operational and support services for Upstream, including training for scientific staff in the general use and function of designated equipment and providing technical input to purchasing and other functional areas as required.
Maintenance of Upstream SOPs; working with Legal department to document manage Upstream SOPs.
Tracking all project intellectual property status; working with legal to ensure document management and application deadlines.
Working with Corporate Affairs to schedule facility visits, tours, and education outreach events involving science staff.
Assisting the Company Safety Officer with preparing and conducting training, coordinating safety training using outside resources, updating safety policies, and ensuring safety compliance of Upstream personnel.
Other tasks/duties as assigned.

The Upstream Research Senior Aide reports to the Vice President of Technology (VPT).

Joe Chappell, PhD

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 03:41:05 GMT

Dr. Chappell has been on the faculty at the University of Kentucky since 1985, where he has developed an internationally recognized research program pioneering the molecular genetics and biochemistry of natural products in plants. His research has focused on the mechanisms plants use to defend themselves against microbial pathogens, and the biosynthesis of terpene-type compounds, especially those with agricultural, medicinal and industrial applications.

Dr. Chappell earned his B.A. degree in Biology from the University of California, San Diego in 1977 and his Ph.D. in Biology in 1981 from the University of California, Santa Cruz. He pursued his postdoctoral studies at the University of Freiburg, Germany and the Max Planck Institute, Cologne, Germany where he worked on the isolation and characterization of the first genes cloned for plant biosynthetic pathways.

Joanne Chory, PhD

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 03:40:10 GMT

Dr. Chory is an Investigator with the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and is Professor at The Salk Institute for Biological Studies in La Jolla, CA, where she directs the Plant Biology Laboratory. She is also an Adjunct Professor of Biology at the University of California, San Diego. Dr. Chory is distinguished for her many contributions to modern plant biology, including identifying the first photoreceptor mutants in higher plants and several signal transduction components downstream of these photoreceptors. Her lab has contributed significantly to our understanding of synthesis of the plant hormone auxin, and showed that plants perceive steroid hormones by unique membrane-bound receptors. She and her lab members continue to use the reference plant, Arabidopsis, to identify components of the phototransduction pathways that link changes in the light environment with differential growth and global alteration of the transcriptome.

A native of Massachusetts, Dr. Chory received a B.A. degree in biology with honors from Oberlin College, OH, a Ph.D. in microbiology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and conducted postdoctoral research at Harvard Medical School. In 1988, she joined the faculty of the Salk Institute, where she has remained. Dr. Chory has served on numerous advisory committees and editorial boards, and is the recipient of several awards. She is a member of the U.S., German, and French National Academies of Science, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the European Molecular Biology Organization. Dr. Chory is also a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Dan Crunkleton, PhD

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 03:39:12 GMT

Dr. Crunkleton is an Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of Tulsa and is the director of the Tulsa Institute of Alternative Energy Institute. He currently oversees in excess of $1 million in externally funded research in the alternative energy field, with a concentration in transportation fuel production from algae. He has also co-advised student competitions to design, model, and manufacture the next-generation of hybrid-electric vehicles.

Dr. Crunkleton received his Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Tulsa in 1995, a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Florida in 2002, and a J.D. degree from the University of Tulsa in 2009. He is a registered Professional Engineer and a licensed attorney-at-law in the state of Oklahoma. He has also worked as a Research Associate at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, a Visiting Researcher at the University of Paris-South in Orsay, France, and a NASA Graduate Student Research Fellow at the University of Florida.

Jaime E. Moreno, P.E.

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:08:37 GMT

Jaime joined the Sapphire team in January 2009 . He leads Sapphire’s commercial development and engineering teams to plan, design and build the next generation of algae-to-energy farms in the United States and other globally strategic locations. He joins Sapphire Energy with more than 25 years of experience in the field of engineering where he managed the planning, design, construction and operations of many complex and noteworthy civil, environmental, transportation, water resources and energy projects. Prior to Sapphire Energy, Jaime served as Chief Operating Officer and Principal Engineer of AMEC Geomatrix, Inc., Managing Principal for AKM Consulting Engineers, and Engineering Manager for Church Engineering, Inc.. Jaime received his M.S. in Civil Engineering from Stanford University and a B.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley. He is a Registered Civil Engineer and a Member of the American Society of Civil Engineers.

Advanced Biofuels Leadership Conference

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 19:22:46 GMT

SWBA Biofuels Policy Summit

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 19:21:21 GMT

2010 Outlook Forum

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 19:10:32 GMT

Bioenergy Australia

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 19:06:02 GMT

4th Annual Cellulosic Biofuels Summit 2009

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 19:02:30 GMT

ABO Policy Briefing

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 19:00:37 GMT

Web 2.0

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 18:55:53 GMT

FUEL Filmmakers Unveil the Algaeus

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 21:26:51 GMT

http://vimeo.com/6480236