Microbiologist

Briefly respond with the following information which will be sent to the hiring manager:

• Degree and any emphasis you focused on:
• Technical expertise in PCR/qPCR(What assays have you conducted? Have you done any focusing on contamination detection, mutation analysis, or gene expression monitoring? Where outside of school did you do this and for how long?):
• Overall experience in a microbiological or biochemical research lab:
• Familiarity with Molecular Biology (classes youve taken, experience outside of school, etc.):
• Familiarity with fermentation and bioreactors (if any):
• Overall, what makes you a strong fit for this position?

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Pave Talent, in collaboration with a high-impact, pre-revenue startup, seeks a passionate and talented Microbiologist to join our dynamic team. This role offers an unparalleled opportunity to be a key driver in revolutionizing the sustainability landscape and maximizing the impact of groundbreaking syngas conversion technologies.

Our client is an ambitious startup poised to disrupt the sustainability space. They are developing and commercializing transformative technologies that convert syngas (a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen) into high-value products like ethanol, addressing climate change and resource scarcity. Their mission is to become a multi-hundred million dollar company by 2030.

The Microbiologist will maintain and improve the active strain technology through collaboration with microbiologists, technicians, research scientists, and engineers. A key function is participating in efforts to execute molecular biological procedures and transfer them to operating partners.In addition, the Microbiologist will provide microbiological analytical support to existing research programs.This role requires hands-on laboratory work.In addition to technical knowledge in microbial physiology, candidates should have strong communication and collaboration skills.

Essential Functions

• Performs molecular monitoring of seed, pilot, and fermentations to monitor biological health and the presence of contamination and/or mutations in the experimental systems.
• Contributes to the effort of developing advanced molecular biological analytical procedures by optimizing and executing quantitative molecular biology-based methods using assays such as qPCR and RTqPCR.
• Improves strain and process efficiency through anaerobic culture, genome engineering, and high-throughput screening.
• Assists with documentation and training necessary for the transfer of technology from R&D to commercial manufacturing.
• Applies current industry best practices, proactively evaluates new technologies, stays current with relevant literature, and implements new features and functionality in the bioprocess development platform.
• Collaborates with the technical team and presents data and findings to the broader team and key stakeholders within R&D and Engineering.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/COMPETENCIES

Education: BS or MS in Microbiology or equivalent professional experience.

Experience: 1-5 years of laboratory experience in the microbiological or biochemical research field.The position scope will be commensurate with prior experience.

Specialized Job/Technical Knowledge: Hands-on experience with PCR, qPCR, and anaerobic microbiological techniques.

We Value:

• Experience with high throughput screening of biological systems
• Knowledge of statistical methods as applied to the design of experiments and experimental analysis.
• Experience with fermentation equipment at bench, pilot, and industrial scale

We Offer:

• A competitive salary and benefits package.
• A relocation package to Illinois if you're open to relocating. Remote work is also an option for the right candidate, provided you are willing to travel to the HQ in Illinois for the first year to get to know the team.
• Equity in the form of stock options, giving you a chance to be part of our multi-million dollar vision.
• A dynamic and mission-driven culture where you can make a real difference.
• Unparalleled learning and growth opportunities in a fast-paced environment.
• The chance to be a pioneer in the sustainability revolution and shape the future of our planet.