Assistant Research Scientist - Formulation

Assistant Research Scientist - Formulation (R&D - St. Louis, MO)

Elemental Enzymes is looking for an Assistant Research Scientist with expertise in protein chemistry and formulation
to join our R&D team that is developing innovative and sustainable biochemical-based solutions for protecting plants
from disease and abiotic stress. This role will involve conducting laboratory experiments to evaluate novel ideas for
formulating peptide and other biochemical active ingredients using various excipients to establish formulation
packages with chemical compatibility, active ingredient stability, crop safety, and an excellent environmental and
human safety profile. This role will also involve testing suitability of active ingredient batches for formulation, and
performing experiments using suitable methods such as HPLC, MS, activity assays, etc. The individual will collaborate
with the product development team to transfer the data and insights obtained from the formulation experiments and
assist in analyzing the results in terms of scalability, performance, and feasibility. The ideal candidate will be highly
motivated, detail oriented and be able to communicate effectively with fellow scientists, engineers, and technicians.

Job Responsibilities

• Assist in the formulation of peptide and other biochemical active ingredients for agricultural applications.
• Conduct and analyze laboratory experiments to evaluate different formulation concepts for stability and
compatibility of biochemical active ingredients, including peptides and amino acids.
• Quantification of actives in different formulations using analytical methods (e.g., HPLC, MS, SDS-PAGE,
activity assays) to evaluate their stability.
• May assist with certain elements of peptide manufacturing and other aspects of the production process.
• Assist in the development and amendment of study protocols and data collection tools.
• Identify key takeaways from performed experiments that guide decision making and/or inspire action, such
as, working with product development team for assessment of scalability of formulation process.
• Follow standard operating and safety procedures in the laboratory.
• Maintains laboratory records, supplies, and samples in an organized manner.
• May include occasional travel for research and/or technology transfer.
• Additional responsibilities may be added at the discretion of management.

Required Experience

• Master’s degree in protein chemistry, chemistry, biochemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, or a closely related
field; or bachelor's degree in aforementioned fields with 3 or more years of relevant experience in applied
laboratory research or equivalent industry experience.
• Proven ability to independently plan and execute experiments in a biochemical laboratory setting.
• Experience in independent troubleshooting and using a variety of resources for producing practical solutions
(e.g., scientific literature, subject area experts).
• Working chemistry knowledge in amino acids, proteins, peptides, mechanisms, and reactions associated with
peptide synthesis and modification, such as oxidation, reduction, etc., is highly desired.
• Desired experience in handling and evaluating peptides and/or proteins.
• Experience using analytical equipment (e.g., HPLC, MS) is desired but not required.
• Proven ability to budget time and manage several distinct projects at once.
• Energetic, creative, and initiative-taking individual able to work in a team environment with an eagerness to
learn and adopt new methods.

• Proficiency in basic computer skills including use of Excel spreadsheets, Microsoft Office programs, notebook
and inventory management tools, and email.
• Working knowledge of statistics, or willingness to learn.
• Embody the Elemental Enzymes core values: Innovation, Respect, Integrity, Delivery.

Physical Requirements

• Reaching: Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.
• Standing: Particularly for sustained periods of time.
• Walking: Moving about on foot to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances or moving from one work
site to another.
• Lifting: Raising objects from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally from position-to-
position. This factor is important if it occurs to a considerable degree and requires substantial use of upper
extremities and back muscles.
• Feeling: Perceiving attributes of objects, such as size, shape, temperature, or texture by touching with skin,
particularly that of fingertips.
• Talking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. Those activities in which they must
convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly.
• Hearing: Perceiving the nature of sounds at normal speaking levels with or without correction. Ability to
receive detailed information through oral communication, and to make the discriminations in sound.
• Repetitive motion: Substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or finger, picking, pinching,
typing or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand as in handling.
• Light work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or
a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires
exertion of forces greater than that for sedentary work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated
for light work.
• Those with this position must be able to work in Biosafety Level 2 Laboratory which can cause more illnesses
to those with immunocompromised systems.

Job Location: St. Louis, MO, United States

Position Type: Full-Time/Regular/ Salary/Exempt
Salary: Competitive base range
Benefits: Employee Stock Options, 401K, Healthcare, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, HSA/FSA Options, Employee
Assistance Program, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, Pet Insurance, Accident Insurance, and Dependent
Care Account

About Elemental Enzymes
Elemental Enzymes was founded upon the simple belief that we must do everything we can to improve agricultural
performance in a way that not only enables plants to flourish but enriches and renews the planet with eco-friendly
and sustainable agricultural solutions. From products that enable effective enzyme, peptide, and protein inputs, to
foliar treatments that hold the promise to renew entire industries, our focus is to make a positive difference in the
world through people – like you and me. Success is a byproduct of responsible production. That is why Elemental
Enzymes works to bring cross-disciplinary scientists and processes together to create novel solutions to practical
problems with a shared goal of helping both the plant and the planet.