Position type: Full time, in-person

Location: Bloomington, IL

Start date: Summer/Fall 2025

Eligibility: US work authorization req.

About the role: This position is on the founding team of an early-stage food biotechnology startup, and will play a critical role in the development of bioprocessing technology for food waste valorization. This position is a full-time, in-person role located in Bloomington, Illinois with a start date in mid July (exact date is flexible). This role is a CTO-track position at a rapidly growing startup with an initial salary of $41,600/year and optional benefits. Compensation will scale according to company performance, with the option for equity ownership after 1 year.    

The individual in this role will lead the establishment of our laboratory facility and R&D program, developing processes and protocols for fermentation testing and analysis. The responsibilities of this role vary widely, requiring a high level of flexibility with the ability to independently learn unfamiliar technical skills and understand new domain areas. Lab work will include both laboratory-scale research and analysis as well as commercial-scale process development. This includes chemical and biochemical analysis, development of GMP-compliant bioprocessing protocols, and applications testing. Additionally, the position will include data and bioinformatic analysis, report and proposal writing, and research. As a member of an early-stage company, this individual will be expected to assist in all areas of the business, interfacing directly with clients, partners and advisors. A passion for food science, fermentation and synthetic biology is critical, as is a willingness to embrace the challenges of an early-stage startup environment. 

The individual in this role must: 

• Be highly independent, motivated and collaborative. 

• Able to interact positively with people of varied backgrounds.

• Possess extremely strong written and verbal communication skills. 

• Perform well under pressure while remaining kind, humble and empathetic to those around them.

• Able to evaluate and simplify complex information to make good decisions under stressful conditions. 

• Have an understanding of both molecular biology and food science with the willingness to learn.

• Be interested in working at an early-stage startup company

The ideal candidate: 

•  Has a passion for fermentation, food microbiology and synthetic biology, as well as an interest in food system sustainability. 

• Has experience in the startup environment, especially in biotech, foodtech or related areas. 

• Is looking for a long-term role with leadership opportunities. 

Duties for this position include: 

• SOP development: Develop laboratory procedures and methods, ensuring compliance with established standards and regulations.

• Bioengineering and bioprocess research: Develop bioprocess systems including strain screening and optimization, fermentation parameter optimization and pilot-scale trials. Duties include DNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis,

• Laboratory operations: Assist with laboratory operations including instrument maintenance, inventory management and other operational tasks as needed.

• Regulatory compliance: Ensure regulatory compliance with FDA, GLP and GMP guidelines as applicable. Develop HACCP plans and other regulatory documentation.

• Chemical analysis: Undertake chemical analysis using HPLC, LCMS, Uv/Vis Spectroscopy and other analytical chemistry techniques.

• Data and statistical analysis: Analyze experimental data, perform statistical analysis using python/R, and create visualizations and reports.

• Operations: Manage projects in coordination with the business and sales team, communicating with clients and external partners. Assist with other operational and technical tasks as needed.