Research Scientist, Fungal Biology

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Research Scientist advances the research and development of our fungal cultivation processes and Host Defense® product line by designing experimental approaches, performing research projects, and presenting findings and results for dissemination and implementation.

The Research Scientist’s daily work includes a mixture of independent and group work, with experimental lab work and reporting being largely independent work, and project design, communication, and project coordination being largely team-oriented. This position requires robust scientific proficiency, as well as equally strong teamwork, organizational, and communication skills. Additionally, the successful candidate will have strong domain knowledge in mycology, statistics, and advanced-level skills in biological laboratory processes.

This position supervises one or more assigned Research Assistant(s) and/or Research Technician(s) and reports directly to the Research and Development Director, interacting with the Company’s owner/founder occurs when needed. This is a full-time, exempt position; Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and is located in Shelton, WA. Periodic travel between facilities may be required.

The Company is unable to provide assistance to those seeking authorization to work in the US.  Must be a US Citizen or have Permanent Resident status.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Thorough documentation of all research activities in a laboratory notebook and using project management software.

• Development, optimization, and routine screening of fungi through integration of traditional cultivation methods and modern bioinformatic analyses.

• Application of scientific knowledge, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities to troubleshoot and refine methods and techniques.

• Evaluation of contemporary literature to design and improve methodologies and analytical approaches.

• Oversight of fungal culture library in cryogenic storage system.

• Identification and/or verification of fungal species identity using genetic methods.

• Direct supervision of assigned Research Assistant(s) and/or Research Technician(s).

• Effective communication of results and project status to colleagues and management

• Adherence to established protocols, including lab safety procedures, and generation of new SOPs as required.

• Preparation of manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

• Preparation and presentation of technical reports internally and externally upon request.

• Performance of various other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Advanced degree (MS, PhD) in biology, mycology, or related field or equivalent training.

• Three plus (3+) years’ experience in mycology, natural product research and development, or relevant biotechnology field.

• Strong base of knowledge and experience in Fungal Biology concepts and techniques.

• Experience with experimental design and data analysis/statistics.

• Familiarity with mycelium culture tools and processes, mushroom cultivation, and mushroom- based biotechnology applications are required qualifications.

• Practical experience with nucleic acid extraction, PCR, and interpretation of genomic data.

• Intermediate to advanced skill in use of Microsoft Office suite, with focus on Excel; familiarity with statistical software and command-line data analysis highly preferred.

• Possession of, or ability to obtain a driver’s license acceptable for use in the state of Washington.

• A thorough background check is required for this position; candidates must be able to successfully pass a criminal history and credit check, and employment and education verification.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Ability to complete tasks independently in pursuit of company-wide research aims.

• Ability to quickly adapt to change in the workplace.

• Excellent organizational and time management skills including the ability to manage several projects simultaneously, while maintaining high standards of quality.

• Proven ability to design approaches to scientific problems and apply data to solve them.

• Exceptional ability to apply both inductive and deductive reasoning.

• Ability to act with high moral standards and integrity.

• Skill in applying complex analytics and conceptual thinking skills to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

• Ability to develop, maintain and grow solid client relationships.

• Ability to set appropriate priorities within the context of departmental and Company goals.

PHYSICAL & MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time when required.
• Ability to walk over varied terrain, which at times is uneven, on an occasional basis.
• Ability to apply strong attention to detail.
• Ability to concentrate on a task over a moderate to long period of time without being distracted.
• Ability to read, comprehend and interpret data from a variety of sources.
• Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing, as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
• Ability to work independently and tell when something is wrong or is likely to go It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
• Ability to use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Ability to choose the appropriate mathematical methods or formulas to solve a probleml
• Ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
• Ability to determine how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
• Ability to inspect equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Salary Range (DOE): $80,000 - $90,000 per year

For information about our benefits, please go to:  https://fungi.com/pages/fungi-perfecti-llc-summary-of-benefits

The Company’s pay range for this job is published in compliance with the State of Washington ‘s Equal Pay Opportunities Act and is not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with labor market data, or other applicable law.

The Company is unable to provide assistance to those seeking authorization to work in the US.

Fungi Perfecti, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, national origin, disability, or veteran status.