Principal Industrial Microbiologist

Principal Industrial Microbiologist

Sapphire Energy was founded with one mission in mind: to change the world by developing a domestic, renewable source of energy that benefits the environment and hastens America’s energy independence.  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… or what we like to call “Green Crude”.  The goal is to replace conventional gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel.

From the start, our goal has been ambitious: to become the world’s leading producer of renewable fuels and petrochemical products and now we are on the verge of creating a whole new industry…we hope you will join us!

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.

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.

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.

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 for this position email your resume to recruitalcockmcfadden.com with the position title and reference number in the subject line.

No phone calls please

No third party recruiters