Research Associate – Applied Microbiology
At Microvi, we tackle some of the world’s most significant challenges—water scarcity and pollution, wastewater treatment and reuse, and the production of renewable fuels and chemicals. Our suite of technologies, developed using our proprietary MicroNiche Engineering(TM) platform, combines microbiology with materials science to provide cutting-edge solutions with transformative market impacts.
We are seeking a Research Associate with experience in applied microbiology, fermentation, and industrial or environmental bioconversion processes to join our fast-paced, highly interdisciplinary team. At Microvi, you will be working with a wide diversity of microorganisms at the heart of Microvi’s technologies. Success in this role will be determined by the ability to manage a dynamic workflow, act on novel ideas with impeccable attention to detail, take ownership for timelines, deliverables, goals, and milestones, and uphold the highest standards of ethics and professionalism as an integral part of our R&D team.
Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:
- Lead or co-lead innovative research projects from the planning, design, and execution stages of bench-scale, pilot-scale, and large-scale microbiology-based process technologies
- Utilize detailed technical knowledge and expertise in the fields of microbial culturing, fermentation (bench and pilot scale), microbial metabolism and physiology, and microbial N and P cycling (e.g., nitrification, denitrification, anammox) to achieve ambitious technical milestones in applications across water purification, wastewater treatment, and the production of biobased fuels and chemicals
- Coordinate with internal and external research teams in the definition, development, implementation, and planning of applied R&D initiatives
- Use and develop kinetic models for solving complex, multi-disciplinary challenges in the course of technology R&D and demonstration
- Draft detailed technical reports, periodic updates, scientific manuscripts, and presentations for trade shows and conferences
- Conduct both routine and novel analyses in the course of technology R&D including for raw materials, formulations, in-process and finished products, and microbiological tests according to SOPs.
- Assist in the day-to-day operations of a wet and analytical laboratory, including calibration and maintenance of lab equipment, inventory management, test method validation, lab documentation, and the maintenance of a clean and orderly environment
Qualifications
- M.S. degree in Applied Microbiology; Fermentation, Environmental or Biological Engineering; or related field; Ph.D. preferred
- Minimum of five (5) years’ experience in the field of industrial and/or environmental or applied microbiology. Industrial experience preferred over solely academic experience
- Familiarity with technology development and the management of innovative research projects
- Experience with aerobic and anaerobic bacterial culturing, growth, and analysis
Attributes
- Methodical with good attention to detail and exceptional documentation skills
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Capability to manage multiple work-flows and experiments simultaneously
- Ability to effectively work in cross-disciplinary teams
- Ability to give and receive feedback appropriately and implement feedback effectively
- Must be a self-starter, motivated, scientifically curious, and collaborative
- Availability to occasionally work over evenings and weekends if required by ongoing projects
Benefits
- Health insurance premium subsidy
- Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution
- Paid time off (PTO)
- Pregnancy leave
Location – Hayward, CA or Dearborn, MI – MUST RELOCATE, IF NEEDED