Formulation Scientist

Pattern Ag is an agricultural technology company leveraging advances in genomics, data science, and microbiology to help farmers improve the productivity, profitability, and sustainability of their land. By applying genomic analysis to farm soil, we unlock a wide range of predictive insights that help farmers improve their soil health and optimize their spend on seed, crop protection, and fertility inputs. Combining these insights with the latest in digital sensing, data science, and machine learning, we are ushering in the era of predictive agriculture, powering on-farm decision making for millions of acres, and billions in crop spend.

We are searching for an exceptional Formulation Scientist, who has a passion for helping farmers grow food using more sustainable and regenerative practices. We receive soil samples from growers' fields and process them to obtain a deep level of  metagenomics and geochemical data and overlay them with other metadata. We translate these data into information and ultimately into actionable knowledge to help growers manage their fields efficiently and maximize their return on investment. 

The Formulation Scientist will be responsible for establishing the preliminary formulation process and scale up of new microbial solutions products in R&D for commercial pipeline by working closely with microbiologists, fermentation scientists, and other members of the Discovery team. 

This is a full time, on-site position in Emeryville, CA 

Responsibilities

•  Design and develop studies to explore inert ingredients, physicochemical properties of formulated products, and compatibility with commercial fertilizers
• Familiarity or ability to learn about microbial registration formulation concepts and application technologies (e.g., precipitation, pH, viscosity etc.)
• Work closely with manufacturing staff and biologists to evaluate the stability and shelf life of field trial materials
• Develop research data package and QC standards for new products prior to transfer to production as well as contributing to product specifications
• Formulate diverse biological formulation prototypes for greenhouse and field testing that is feasible for commercialization
• Experience with COGs analysis and ability to contribute to product registration labels
• Experience with GLP studies
• Identify new concepts and participate in experimental designs, data discussions, and marketing plans

Skills and Special Requirements

• Bachelor's degree with at least seven years of relevant industry experience or Master's degree with at least five years of relevant industry experience or PhD with two years of relevant experience 
• Degree in chemistry, biochemistry, physical chemistry or engineering or related disciplines
• Expertise in microbial based agricultural formulations, especially soil applied products is preferred
• Experience with microbiology and wet lab skills is a plus
• Experience with physical and chemical laboratory testing techniques such as particle size, dispersion, wetting, rheology, and biological testing will be advantageous
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Attention to detail, good record-keeping skills and ability to consistently maintain an up-to-date experimental notebook is a must
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work in a shared laboratory setting and being flexible to assist others in the team, as needed
• Willingness to be a team player and interface with other teams on current and new product support
• Demonstrates a proactive attitude towards site safety and promote safety practices

Compensation

• $100,000/yr - $145,000/yr

Thank you for considering Pattern Ag. We look forward to reviewing your application!