Research Associate - Upstream Processing

We are a Biology Company, backed by Astanor Ventures, Lerer Hippeau, Piva Capital, Kellogg’s, and Vectr Ventures. Our mission is to create solutions that empower customers to make sustainable and regenerative choices without compromising on quality. We are beginning with the food industry.

About the role

We are seeking a passionate and mission-driven Research Associate (RA) in our Upstream Cultivation team with hands-on experience using basic lab techniques, data analytical skills, and a problem-identifying/solving attitude. The individual will be responsible for ensuring nutrient levels in our ponds, defining nutrient efficiency, and optimizing engineering solutions & application methods for nutrient application for optimal duckweed composition. Additionally, the Research Associate would enable testing other critical process parameters to improve raceway flow for optimal water & Lemna distribution as well as assist efforts in data collection & sensor placement/trials to maximize learnings on greenhouse conditions relating work at lab scale to pilot to commercial greenhouses. At times the role may also require diving into the interaction between Upstream cultivation and Downstream protein processing to define synergies.

What you will be working on

• Perform biochemical assays to analyze nutrient compositions and optimize/analyze current systems for tracking nutrient usage efficiency with an eye towards cost reduction.
• Operate, maintain and troubleshoot R&D scale cultivation ponds and work as a conduit between the R&D and engineering/operations teams to oversee tech transfer of key ideas from bench to commercial scale.
• Design, execute, and analyze lab and field experiments to improve the quality and quantity of our plant protein and to increase biomass productivity.

What you bring to Plantible

• B.S. in Biochemistry, Chemistry, another relevant Science/Engineering background with 2+ years of industrial research experience or M.S. in assay development with 1+ year industrial experience.
• Previous lab experience developing and executing methods of biochemical, analytical and/or physiological relevance with a passion for continuous improvement & an attention to detail in experimental execution.
• Lab experience growing plants and/or using sterile technique as well as experience in protein purification or extraction is also highly desirable.
• Excellent verbal/written communication, time management and organizational skills
• Ability to thrive in a fast paced & dynamic startup environment as a self-starter
• Ability to learn quickly, solve complex problems and have excellent data analysis skills including the recognition of proper controls & statistical analysis.
• Creativity & a collaborative partner in teams focused on achieving company goals.
• Willingness to travel up to 10-15% of the time to facilitate tech transfer with our commercial protein production facility.

Benefits

• Competitive health and wellness benefits
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Discretionary Unlimited PTO Program
• Paid Holidays
• 401k Program
• Career Stipend
• Career development and growth opportunities
• Working in a rapidly growing, flexible and entrepreneurial environment
• Team building and company-wide events
• Financial support with your relocation, if necessary, ensuring a smooth transition
• And of course, lots of beautiful land for outdoor activities!

Equal Employment Opportunity

Plantible Foods is an equal employment opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, ancestry, veteran status, marital status, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, liability for military service, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If you are interested in learning the status of your application, please note you will be contacted directly by the appropriate human resources contact person if you are selected for further consideration. Plantible Foods reserves the right to defer or close a vacancy at any time.

Recruitment Fraud Alert

Plantible Foods is aware of fraudulent job offers and individuals impersonating our recruiters or employees. Please note:

• We will never ask candidates to pay fees for employment, training, equipment, or background checks.
• We will never request sensitive personal or financial information during the early stages of the hiring process.
• All official Plantible Foods communications come only from email addresses ending in @plantiblefoods.com.
• Our only official company website is www.plantiblefoods.com, and our jobs are posted on our Careers page and our official LinkedIn page.
• If you receive a suspicious message claiming to be from Plantible Foods, do not respond. Please report it to careers@plantiblefoods.com.

Pay Range

The pay range for this role is: 65,000 - 75,000 USD per year (Eldorado, TX)

Schedule

Manufacturing

Location

Eldorado, TX