At 21st.BIO, we're not just another biotech company; we are the vanguards of a revolution. Fuelled by the determination to shape a more sustainable world, we are developing a technology platform that will profoundly disrupt the global landscape and provide sustainable solutions for our planet. Our dream? To engineer the future of sustainable foods and materials through the art of fermentation.
Specific Role Description
We are seeking a self-driven, passionate, and experienced downstream processing engineer/senior engineer to join the 21stBIO Davis team. You will work on internal and external R&D projects with our customers in a fast-paced startup environment. Your main responsibilities will include process development from lab scale to pilot scale, safely operating, and modelling, as well as performing in-process testing focused on downstream processing. As a process engineer, you will handle various downstream processes to purify, separate, and scale products (primarily recombinant proteins and peptides) from 100mL fermentation broth up to 30L in-house. Beyond process optimization and production, you will participate in technology transfer as needed to either the pilot facility in Denmark and various CMOs for process scale-up. The role requires travel to our pilot facility in Denmark (300L to 1,200L fermentation capacity) and various CMOs for process scale-up.
Responsibilities
Design, develop& perform scalable processes from lab scale fermentation samples that can be scaled up to industrially relevant processes in the commercial scale.
Perform hands-on operations in house including setup, operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting small-scale pilot plant scale equipment.
Perform downstream bioprocessing and economic modelling to simulate and optimize DSP.
Prepare technology transfer documents, including detailed process descriptions, mass balances, process flow diagrams, etc.
Scale up processes in collaboration with CMOs, customers and the 21st.BIO Denmark team.
Collaborate and coordinate with 21st.BIO R&D, fermentation, lab-scale DSP, and analytic teams to successfully deliver scaled-up products & processes to customers.
Generation of effective SOPs. Advise and ensure safety procedures.
Document work in electronic lab notebook, design sampling plans, and write batch records and DSP reports for internal and external projects.
Requirements
Ability to work in the U.S. without sponsorship
Education:
A PhD in Chemical Engineering or related discipline with a minimum of 1-year industrial experience or,
Master’s Chemical Engineering degree in a related field with a minimum of 3-year relevant industrial experience or,
Bachelor’s Chemical Engineering degree in a scientific discipline with a minimum of 5-year relevant industrial experience.
Ability to perform process modelling, optimization, and simulation using specialized software.
Ability to operate and troubleshooting continuous centrifuge, decanter centrifuge, depth filtration, tangential flow filtration, spray dryer, etc.
Ability to work independently and in teams, with strong critical thinking.
Ability to operate downstream recovery units.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a focus on optimizing processes.
Ability to discuss complex technical concepts with a variety of audiences and customers.
Attention to detail, ability to maintain accurate records, and an affinity for troubleshooting.
Ability to travel, domestic and internationally as needed.
Excellent interpersonal verbal and written communication skills.
Preferred Capabilities And Experience
Strong technical background and years of direct hands-on experience with large scale protein purification/ downstream processing.
Enthusiasm for hands-on experimentation and willingness to work in laboratory and training others.
Proficient in chemical process simulation software such as Aspen Plus, SuperPro Designer, or gPROMS.
Ability to effectively collaborate in a dynamic environment and juggle multiple priorities simultaneously.
Why 21st.BIO?
21st.BIO is a vibrant consortium of thinkers, researchers, and visionaries bound by the shared dream of a greener tomorrow.
Based in Copenhagen (Denmark) and Davis (California), we work with our customers to accelerate the World’s quest for new sustainable food and materials. We build a competitive technology and manufacturing foundation to enable the commercialization of new, innovative products that are more sustainable than traditional offerings. We support our customers from strain development to scale-up, to bring their products successfully to the market.
Joining our ranks means
Personal and professional growth in a hub of innovation and disruptive thinking.
A nurturing ambiance, where your growth, well-being, and empowerment take center stage.
The privilege of working alongside a team of experts in R&D and business dynamics.
Competitive salary and benefits package.
More info
You will join our site in Davis, California. If you want to hear more about the position and the company, please contact Shangji Zhang at s.zhang@21st.bio.
Annual salary: 90,000 – 170,000 USD.
21st.BIO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and we value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
