Scientist II/Senior Scientist I: Protein Chemistry
Chicago, IL /
Research & Development /
Full-time
/ On-site
Nature’s Fynd is a groundbreaking food tech company born out of NASA-supported research on extremophiles in the geothermal pools of Yellowstone National Park. Our novel fermentation technology produces a sustainable source of complete protein using only a fraction of the resources required by traditional agriculture. As the challenge to feed the world’s expanding population grows, our mission is to create amazing foods and materials that provide sustainable choices and nurture the planet.
We’re looking for passionate, driven, and ambitious people to join our fast-growing team.
The Protein Chemistry Scientist will be an integral part of a team which
will develop filamentous fungi for heterologous protein production. The successful candidate will have experience purifying and characterizing proteins produced in a microbial system.
MUST have industry experience.
Duties & Responsibilities:
- Purify and characterize proteins, both native and heterologous expressed, to determine similarity to the native protein including post-translational modifications
- Independently execute tasks including development of new assays, setting up new methods for protein characterization, regular sample handling, and developing analytical methods
- Development of methods to characterize protein functionality
- Contributing to the discovering of connections between genotypes and key phenotypes of filamentous fungi, to develop improved strains
- Characterization of secretome and proteome of wild type, engineered and improved strains
- Working with molecular biology team to develop strategies to engineer filamentous fungi to produce products of interest
- Working well in teams to develop new technology and products you'd never achieve on your own
- Provide data-driven insights to solve technical challenges
- Conduct bench-top work, and analyze, summarize present scientific outcomes
- Provide accurate, clear, and concise reports on R&D activities
Position Requirements:
- BS, MS or PhD in Protein Chemistry, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related technical field
- The specific job level offered will depend on qualifications. As guidance, the Scientist II position requires a BS with 10+ years, MS with 5+ years or PhD with no experience. Positions at the Senior Scientist I level requires a Ph.D. degree with 2 - 5 years related experience
- Industrial experience required
- An innovative mind-set and can-do attitude coupled with an enthusiasm for engineering filamentous fungi for protein production
- Contributed to strain improvement programs focused on protein expression, metabolic engineering or other applied objectives
- Knowledge of protein structure and function properties
- Expertise in protein purification and structural analysis
- Expertise characterizing proteins for glycosylation
- Experience in quantifying and characterizing heterologous produced proteins is preferred
- Strong written and verbal communication skills as well as interpersonal skills
- Attention to details and ability to work in an interdisciplinary team environment
- Excellent organizational, interpersonal and communication skills
- Comfortable working in a start-up environment
- Strong problem solving and critical thinking skills
Benefits:
- Participation in Employee Stock Ownership Program
- 100% paid employee benefits (medical, dental, vision)
- Generous Parental leave policy
- Opportunity to join a company with an aggressive growth trajectory that will revolutionize multiple industries
- Engaging and dynamic work culture full of innovation and collaboration with your fellow Fynders
Commitment To Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, And Belonging:
- Nature’s Fynd views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values
EEO Statement:
- We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law
