Sapphire Energy, Inc.

Exploring Algae as Fuel

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 20:58:03 GMT

EXPLORING ALGAE AS FUEL

Sapphire Energy positioned to make algae competitive as an energy source

“My whole goal here is to domesticate algae, to make it a crop,” said Mike Mendez, VP of Technology, Sapphire Energy Inc

SAN DIEGO, July 26, 2010 – In a laboratory where almost all the test tubes look green, the tools of modern biotechnology are being applied to lowly pond scum. Foreign genes are being spliced into algae and native genes are being tweaked. Different strains of algae are pitted against one another in survival-of-the-fittest contests in an effort to accelerate the evolution of fast-growing, hardy strains.

Read the complete news story here: News Story >>

4th Annual Algae Biomass Summit | Algal Biomass Organization

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 17:29:54 GMT

TEDxOilSpill

Fri, 25 Jun 2010 23:25:41 GMT

Fast Company and CNN

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 15:22:18 GMT

CJ Warner Profiled on Fast Company

Former BP Exec Cynthia Warner Left Big Oil for Big Algae - And She's Not Alone

“The harder you work to find additional crude, the more environmental impact there is. What this does from a big perspective is illustrate the urgency of continuing to work to get solutions that are more in harmony with the earth's cycles and more controllable."

The challenge excites the competitive spirit that Warner has nurtured since she joined a swim team at 5 years old. She's made her decision: She'll dedicate 100% of her energy to advancing a radical energy solution that has at least the potential to scale. "It's a long-term undertaking, not just for me, but for the world," she says. The alternative? To sit back and hope that “They"come up with a better answer.

Read the complete news story here: News Story >>

Sapphire's CJ Warner's interviewed live on CNN

CNN's T.J. Holmes interviews Sapphire President CJ Warner live on CNN.

View the complete interview here: News Story >>

SAPPHIRE ENERGY PRESIDENT AMONG THE 100 MOST CREATIVE PEOPLE IN BUSINESS

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 23:30:16 GMT

SAPPHIRE ENERGY PRESIDENT AMONG THE 100 MOST CREATIVE PEOPLE IN BUSINESS

Cynthia (CJ) Warner number 42 on Fast Company list

“In February 2009, she made the leap truly "beyond petroleum," landing at a small San Diego -- based alternative-energy firm,” said Anya Kamenetz, Fast Company.

NEW YORK, May 26, 2010 – A chemical engineer by training, Cynthia Warner, 51, was once one of the highest-ranking women in Big Oil, rising to head of global refining at BP. But working closely with the EPA on industry-wide Clean Air Act improvements and low-carbon fuels, she found herself more and more drawn toward sustainability.

Read the complete news story here: News Story >>

The World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology & Bioprocessing

Fri, 04 Jun 2010 23:30:56 GMT

Dan Sajkowski

Wed, 02 Jun 2010 18:40:22 GMT

Dan Sajkowski joined Sapphire Energy in April 2010, bringing more than 24 years of experience in the oil and refining industry. He spent the last five years as the business unit leader of BP’s Whiting Refinery, the 4th largest refinery in the country. In addition to operational and financial accountability for the site, he was a primary driver behind the largest capital project in the history of Indiana and one of the most complex projects BP has ever undertaken: the $3.8 billion modernization of the Whiting Refinery. He also served as manager of refining supply in BP’s Integrated Supply and Trading organization; as vice president, refining technology for BP’s world-wide refining system; and as a member of BP’s Group Technology Council. Prior to joining Amoco in 1986, he worked for Chevron Research Company.

Sajkowski earned his B.S. and M.S. degrees in Chemical Engineering from the University of Michigan, and a PhD in Chemical Engineering from Stanford University. He also completed The General Manager Program at Harvard. He has authored 17 publications in the area of heterogeneous catalysis.

Re-Energize America

Wed, 12 May 2010 23:13:58 GMT

USAF Energy Forum III

Thu, 13 May 2010 17:21:16 GMT

Principal Industrial Microbiologist

Tue, 11 May 2010 00:56:51 GMT

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 Principal 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 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.
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 “Principal Industrial Microbiologist” in the subject line.

Senior Process Engineer

Tue, 11 May 2010 01:00:38 GMT

Department: Development

Location: San Diego, CA / Las Cruces, NM

We are seeking a Process Engineer to join our Development Group.

Requirements:

B.S. in Chemical Engineering or related field; advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) is desirable.
Minimum 10 years of direct industrial process engineering experience in one of more of the following fields: oil and gas, bioprocessing (e.g. vegetable oil extraction), biofuels (e.g., ethanol, biodiesel production, and/or other fermentation process), other advanced fuel production (e.g., hydrotreating, pyrolysis, hydrothermal upgrading, and/or Fischer Tropes processes).
Experience with piloting activities including operations, process optimization, and scale up.
Experience performing process studies, conceptual design, front-end engineering, and applying detailed chemical engineering principles to the work process.
Due to the highly collaborative nature of this position, interpersonal and communications skills will be extremely important.
Proficiency in writing and oral presentations.
The ability to work in a project-oriented environment and interface effectively with the biotechnology R&D team is essential.
Demonstrated management and leadership skills.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Manage piloting of algae biomass processes, including scale up and optimization, and daily piloting operations.
Contribute to process design.
Support future commercial demonstration scale operations.
Support other R&D activities at the field test site.
Recruit and train process engineers and technicians.

Algae World Summit

Mon, 03 May 2010 20:39:53 GMT

2010 Energy Security Conference

Mon, 03 May 2010 20:38:36 GMT

Senior Research Associate, Strain Evaluation

Mon, 03 May 2010 04:44:20 GMT

Location: San Diego, CA

Department: Development

We are seeking a motivated algae physiologist to join the Strain Evaluation team.

Responsibilities:

Evaluate and characterize algae strains in the lab using various autotrophic growth systems. Daily duties will involve characterization of new strains including growth in different media, varying pH values, temperature, and salinity.
Develop working expertise with various growth systems and reactors use for algal growth.
Grow, maintain, and QC fresh algal cultures for experiments in liquid culture and on plates.
Understand, organize, and summarize data for group analysis.
Fulfill certain weekend duties.

Qualifications:

M.S. with 2-5 years of relevant work experience, or B.A. with 5-8 years relevant work experience with advancement, is required.
Proficiency with sterile technique and microbiological culture is required.
Proficiency with light microscopy is required; experience with fluorescence microscopy is preferred.
Proficiency in Excel environment is required, and experience with a LIMS or programming proficiency (VBA, etc.) is preferred.
Prior knowledge and experience in algal physiology, photosynthesis, plant nutrition, and plant protection is preferred.
Must be detail oriented, organized, and familiar with keeping a scientific lab notebook.
Must be able to remain focused under pressure, prioritize daily duties, and be clear and concise when organizing and presenting data.

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 SRA, Strain Evaluation in the subject line.

Scientist, Strain Evaluation

Mon, 03 May 2010 04:47:01 GMT

Location: San Diego, CA

Department: Development

We are seeking a motivated scientist to join the Strain Evaluation team.

Responsibilities:

Evaluate and characterize algae strains in the lab using various autotrophic growth systems.
Develop and troubleshoot efficient high-throughput methods for testing cultures at various environmental conditions, and assemble protocols and SOPSs for newly developed methods.
Supervise research projects in the short and long term, and manage a small team.
Analyze data, prepare scientific reports and presentation, and communicate to co-workers in various regular and on-demand forums.
Fulfill certain weekend duties.

Qualifications:

Ph. D. with 2-5 years relevant work experience, or M.S. with 4-8 years relevant work experience, is required.
Proficiency with sterile technique and microbiological culture is required.
Proficiency with light microscopy is required; experience with fluorescence microscopy is preferred.
Prior knowledge and experience in the areas of cell biology, microbiology, photosynthesis, plant nutrition, plant protection, and/or algal physiology is preferred.
Proficiency in Excel environment is required, and experience with a LIMS or programming proficiency (VBA, etc.) is preferred.
Proven ability to design and supervise research projects, prioritize daily and long term tasks, and manage research team in a fast-paced environment is required.
Must be a detail-oriented and organized scientist, and able to prepare scientific reports and present data to coworkers and management
Due to the collaborative nature of the position, interpersonal communication skills are extremely important.

Advanced Biofuels Leadership Conference

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 20:47:41 GMT

Algal Geneticist

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 23:06:44 GMT

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 algal geneticist to join our Microbiology staff in San Diego, CA.

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.
Preference given to candidates with the following experience

o Genetics and molecular biology of mating systems

o Non-standard / non-model organism algae

Strong leadership 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.
Proficiency in written and oral presentations.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Microbiology, characterization, genetics and molecular biology 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.

Microbial Physiologist

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 23:09:30 GMT

Department: Development

Location: San Diego, CA

We are seeking an exceptional Microbial Physiologist to join our Microbiology staff in San Diego, CA.

Requirements

Doctoral degree in microbiology, biology, molecular biology, experimental evolution or related field plus at least one year post-doctoral experience.
Experience in microbial physiology is essential:

o Significant experience with methods for characterizing and understanding growth properties

o Capable of rapidly analyzing large data sets; experience with programming languages / statistical software

Experience with microalgae a plus.
Strong leadership and organizational skills.
This position will work closely with both research and development. The ability to concisely and effectively communicate results will be extremely important.
Ability to participate in interdisciplinary teams.
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:

Physiological characterization of strains of algae under a variety of conditions.
Identification of growth conditions that optimize growth of algal strains of interest.
Creativity and the ability to work within and lead a team in order to achieve technical and corporate milestones.
Collaborate with section-level peers
Provide example of professionalism and proficiency for the laboratory staff.

Analytical Chemist

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 23:16:37 GMT

Department: Analytical Chemistry

Location: San Diego, CA

We are seeking an exceptional Analytical Chemist to join our Analytical Chemistry staff in San Diego, CA.

Requirements:

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in chemistry, with at least 3-5 years of industrial experience.
Candidates should have solid experience with ICP-MS and sample preparation techniques.
Extensive experience in digestion methodologies, and general methods of elemental analysis, thermal and spectroscopic techniques required.
Demonstrated skills and fluency in developing, validating and applying analytical methods.
Strong knowledge of analytical chemistry, and good laboratory techniques.
Excellent organizational, laboratory, and manual skills.
Ability to exercise effective time management skills in completion of assignments
Demonstrate ability to handle multiple projects and meet customer deadlines.
Ability to effectively participate in interdisciplinary teams.
Due to the highly collaborative nature of this position, interpersonal and communication skills are extremely important. A short presentation will be required during the interview.
A comfort level with the fast-paced, changing, and stressful environment of a biotech start-up.
Critical thinking and problem solving skills.
Demonstrated ability to independently design, execute, troubleshoot, and interpret results from scientific experiments.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Operate, maintain, calibrate and troubleshoot laboratory instrumentation and equipment, such as: ICP-MS, CHN, O, S analyzers, TGA/DSC, KF, IR, and other wet chemistry instrumentation and equipment.
Plan, perform and complete laboratory analyses/projects
Perform method development and validation studies for metals and main group element tests. Perform heavy metals analysis. Prepare samples for analysis by microwave or hotplate digestion.
Prepares samples, standards & solutions for analysis.
Develop, validate, and apply analytical protocols and procedures.
Produce written and oral reports of scientific work.
Work with client groups to develop precise, accurate and robust analytical methods as needed.

Senior Scientist

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 23:42:25 GMT

Department: Development

Location: Las Cruces, NM

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.

Research Associate – qPCR

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 01:17:46 GMT

Department – Microbiology

Location: San Diego, CA

We are seeking an exceptional Research Associate to join our Microbiology / 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.
An understanding of microbial genetics is essential. Experience with unicellular algae a plus.
Expertise and extensive experience in qPCR.
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 operate within a team-oriented project design; 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.
qPCR assay development, including troubleshooting. Routine qPCR analysis.
PCR, cloning, sequence analysis and other nucleic acid-based molecular biology techniques. Optimization of standard molecular biology techniques.
Make and record detailed observations using a microscope.
Analyze data, and interpret results.

Earth Day

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 20:49:11 GMT

SAPPHIRE ENERGY WELCOMES NEW SENIOR DIRECTOR, DOWNSTREAM TECHNOLOGY

Wed, 14 Apr 2010 14:10:52 GMT

Veteran BP Oil Executive Sets Sights on Algae Fuel Future

SAN DIEGO, April 15, 2010 – Sapphire Energy today announced veteran oil executive Dan Sajkowski has joined the company as senior director, downstream technology. After more than 24 years with BP (Amoco), Sajkowski brings his wealth of experience in the oil and refining industry to the burgeoning field of algae-based fuel. He officially joined the company on April 1.

“We’re very fortunate to have Dan on board to drive our downstream efforts,” said Cynthia J. (CJ) Warner, president, Sapphire Energy. “Having that level of expertise in oil refining is critical as we move closer to commercializing our algae-based green crude. Because our green crude can be refined into drop-in replacement liquid transportation fuels, we take full advantage of the existing oil infrastructure, from refining through distribution – areas Dan helped define during his career with BP.”

Sajkowski spent the last five years as the business unit leader of BP’s Whiting Refinery, the 4th largest refinery in the country. In addition to operational and financial accountability for the site, he was a primary driver behind the largest capital project in the history of Indiana and the most complex project BP has ever undertaken: the $3.8 billion modernization of the Whiting Refinery. He also served as manager of refining supply in BP’s Integrated Supply and Trading organization; as vice president, refining technology for BP’s world-wide refining system; and as a member of BP’s Group Technology Council. Prior to joining Amoco in 1986, he worked for Chevron Research Company.

SAPPHIRE ENERGY WELCOMES NEW SENIOR DIRECTOR, DOWNSTREAM TECHNOLOGY

Wed, 14 Apr 2010 14:50:26 GMT

SAPPHIRE ENERGY WELCOMES NEW SENIOR DIRECTOR, DOWNSTREAM TECHNOLOGY

Veteran BP Oil Executive Sets Sights on Algae Fuel Future

“We’re very fortunate to have Dan on board to drive our downstream efforts,” said Cynthia J. (CJ) Warner, president, Sapphire Energy.

Read the complete press release here: Press Release >>

delete

Thu, 08 Apr 2010 21:01:19 GMT