About Willow Biosciences: Willow Biosciences is a synthetic biology company that develops and produces precision fermented ingredients for the health and wellness, food and beverage, and personal care markets. Willow’s FutureGrownTM and BioOxiTM platforms were built to revolutionize industrial manufacturing of pure, consistent, and sustainable ingredients with sustainability at its core. Willow’s R&D team engineers organisms to produce plant-, animal-, and petrochemical-derived ingredients through precision fermentation. Our fully integrated processes are more sustainable, secure, and cost-effective than traditional extraction or chemical synthesis routes and typically provide products of higher purity and yield.
Mission, Values and Beliefs: It is rewarding to work at a company where people genuinely believe in what they are doing. At Willow Biosciences, we are committed to bringing high-purity compounds to market through scalable and cost-effective bio-based processes. We work hard, we are serious about what we do, and we like to have fun while we are at it!
Job Listing: Scientist, Assay & Analytics
We are seeking a highly motivated Scientist to join our Assay & Analytics team and contribute to the metabolic engineering of biosynthetic pathways in microorganisms, specifically yeast. The successful candidate will have extensive analytical chemistry skills, working knowledge of assay development, and practical experience with automation workflows for HTP screening.
Education & Experience:
MS or PhD in chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering, or a related field. 2+ years’ experience working with analytical instruments and operating lab automation equipment in an industrial research setting (Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical, or Life Sciences Industries). Specific experience in mass spectrometry and working in a high-throughput environment are a must.
Location: Sunnyvale, CA, US
Job Description:
· Work closely with the head of assay & analytics to develop, validate, and execute analytical methods for detection and quantification of molecules of interest in engineered yeast and bacterial strains.
· Work alongside/guide associate scientists on weekly high-throughput screening workflows including culturing, preparing reagents, extracting samples, and analyzing samples with HPLC/UPLC and GC with various detection methods (mass spectrometry, DAD, FID).
· Apply a broad range of standard analytical methods to analyze fermentation samples and characterize strains.
· Take a lead in processing & analyzing data to ensure delivery of data in a timely manner to other teams.
· Operate, calibrate, and maintain robotic liquid handlers (e.g., Bravo, Tecan), analytical instruments, incubators/shakers, and other standard laboratory equipment.
· Implement and optimize protocols for HTP workflow and analytical methods.
· Maintain timely documentation of laboratory work; provide written documentation and specifications of analytical workflows (SOPs).
· Effectively communicate/present work and analysis to other scientists with diverse technical backgrounds (strain engineers, fermentation scientists, and computational biologists).
· Hands-on experience with HPLC/UPLC, GCMS, LCMS is a must; experience with Agilent LCMS/GCMS or Thermo TSQ Altis is a plus
· Experience working with LIMS.
· Proficiency with MS Office Suite
Job Requirements:
· Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (oral and written).
· Ability to communicate/present work and analysis to audiences with diverse technical backgrounds.
· Attention to detail, safety, and good laboratory practice.
· Ability to track documentation, have good record keeping and write reports and SOPs.
· Ability to take ownership, prioritize responsibilities, multi-task and remain flexible with changing needs.
· Must be motivated and able to work under tight deadlines.
· Work in partnership with other scientists (molecular biologists, computational biologists, and analytical scientists) to meet company goals/milestones.
· Capable of high performance in independent work as well as in team setting.
· Strong desire to grow as a scientific researcher, learn new techniques and adopt new technologies for process improvements.
Physical Demands:
· Remaining in a seated or standing position for extended periods
· Performing repetitive tasks with hands, fingers, and wrists
· Use of standard lab PPE (lab coats, safety glasses and gloves)
Position Type: Full-time position
Travel: Not required
Work Authorization: Authorized to work in the US.
Benefits:
· Competitive salary package, 401k, healthcare benefits, medical, vision & dental
· Paid vacation and company holidays
· Life / AD&D, Short-term and Long-term Disability Insurance
· Opportunities for professional development
Equal Opportunity Employment
Willow Biosciences is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or any other applicable legally protected characteristics. All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit, and business need.