Precision Fermentation Scientist

What We Do

Compound Foods is an early-stage food tech startup leveraging food science, fermentation, and synthetic biology to recreate coffee without coffee beans. Our team is on a mission to create better and more sustainable products for all.

Job Description

Our team seeks scientists well-versed in fermentation science and process control with an in-depth understanding of microbial physiology, metabolism, and biosynthetic pathways. The appointee will design data-driven experiments, implement procedures to increase fermentation output and reproducibility, optimize production of specific molecules, and participate in transferring developed fermentation technology to manufacturing scale.

Reports To

This position reports directly the Director of Fermentation, Cecylia Szewczyk. A seasoned dairy & plant based cheese executive, Cecylia is utilizing her experience in alternative food fermentation to create a new type of coffee without actual coffee beans. Prior to joining Compound Foods, Cecylia leveraged her industrial fermentation experience aiding a leading biotech start up firm creating animal free dairy products.

What We Need Your Help With

• Design, plan and execute lab-scale fermentation/biodegradation experiments.
• Data analysis, interpretation, and communication of experimental results.
• Monitoring, troubleshooting, and maintenance of process equipment.
• Identify and apply new process technologies and strategies to optimize fermentation workflows.
• Establish parameters for optimal growth, environmental domination & succession in non-sterile conditions & flavor compound production for bacteria, yeasts & molds.
• Maximize understanding of interactions between bacterial, yeast & mold populations in natural coffee fermentation
• Define factors stimulating & suppressing the growth of bacterial, yeast & fungal strains
• Conduct microbial identification utilizing in-house & external resources
• Understand the growth conditions, growth rate, productivity & impact of various factors on strain performance
• Support scale-up and tech transfer to research collaborators, including troubleshooting and process development, and process improvements
• Document all trials & conducted analyses in a well organized electronic lab notebook
• Communicate with internal and external stakeholders through PM platform, meetings and written emails, reports, and presentations
• Assist with the development of the QC program for the fermentation processes
• Collaborate with QC team and fellow product development scientists to ensure that experiments are designed and executed effectively
• Author standard operating procedures (SOPs) and other supporting documentation.
• Prepare presentations and documents for partners and prospective investors. Assist in building out a new lab and in hiring new team members.

What We Look For

• Requires a minimum of BS in Microbiology / Biotechnology / Biomolecular Engineering or similar with at least 6 years of relevant food industry experience or an MS with at least 4 years of food industry experience or PhD with at least 2 years industry experience
• Requires at least 2 years food industry experience
• Requires at least 1 year experience in food product / process development
• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills are an essential characteristic of a successful candidate due to the highly collaborative nature of the position
• Ability to work well in a fast-paced environment and balance multiple projects
• Strong organization, problem solving, and quantitative analysis skills are critical
• Ability to deliver clear, compelling and effective technical presentations