Research Associate, Fermentation

COMPANY DESCRIPTION Founded in 2016, Checkerspot set out with a bold mission: to harness biotechnology to unlock the power of nature’s molecular building blocks. From the start, the company has focused on developing high-performance fats and oils that aren’t easily or sustainably sourced from nature, using precision fermentation to bring innovative solutions to market. Whether in food, nutrition, or beyond, Checkerspot has consistently pushed the boundaries of what’s possible – proving that science and sustainability can drive real-world impact. COMPANY CULTURE Our company culture can best be understood through experience. Come get to know us! We’d like to be known more by what we do than what we say. PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES We seek an enthusiastic, team-oriented problem solver to join our Fermentation group as a Research Associate. Key responsibilities will include: Assist in the planning and execution of fermentation experiments in a team environment including clean-up, set-up, operations, sugar prep, sampling, analysis, interpretation, reporting, and presentation of data Prepare production media and buffers, sterilize equipment, operate bioreactors, and perform seed scale-up from lab to pilot scale. Demonstrates the ability to troubleshoot fermentation and equipment issues and perform effectively both independently and as part of a team. Assess performance of microbial strains, their evaluation and characterization through method based, reproducible lab techniques Assist with downstream processing including centrifugation, mechanical and aqueous extraction, various drying methods Create organized records and maintain high-quality documentation for newly developed approaches Accountable for building a strong safety culture and actively pursue it daily; identify unsafe behaviors and conditions and intervene to mitigate incidents KEY REQUIREMENTS Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Microbiology, Bioprocess Engineering, or relevant degree and 1-5 years of relevant experience. Post-educational fermentation experience highly desirable, including set-up, operation, and maintenance of lab and/or pilot-scale bioreactors Ability to analyze and interpret fermentation data; troubleshoot and problem solve critical issues Excellent verbal and written communications skills and ability to interact with colleagues at all levels Ability to successfully work in a project driven and team-oriented environment Experience with a variety of bench scale fermentation bioreactors a plus Ability to lift up to 50 lbs (raw materials) with or without assistance Flexible work schedule including off hours and weekends Downstream experience including drying, mechanical press, refine, bleach, deodorizing oil experience suggested but not required Experience with centrifugation equipment Must be able to follow Standard Operating Procedures. Must be legally authorized to work in the US. Company cannot provide sponsorship at this time. BENEFITS Checkerspot offers its employees a competitive benefits and compensation package. The expected pay range for this role is $70,000 to $95,000 annually with final determination commensurate with experience. Checkerspot is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic information, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected basis. #J-18808-Ljbffr Checkerspot