Bioprocess Engineer

Qualifications

• Solid-liquid and liquid-liquid separations (cell culture): 1 year (Required)
• Scaling up technology to manufacturing: 1 year (Required)
• Developing procedural documentation and tech transfer SOP: 1 year (Required)
• Downstream process development: 1 year (Required)
• English (Required)
• Work authorization (Required)
• Process engineering: 3 years (Preferred)
• Project management: 1 year (Preferred)
• GMP environment: 1 year (Preferred)

BenefitsPulled from the full job description

401(k)

401(k) matching

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off

Show 3 more benefits

Full Job Description

BlueNalu, Inc. is a fast-growing, San Diego-based company that is pioneering the production of seafood products derived directly from fish cells. Using proprietary cell biology techniques and engineering processes, BlueNalu’s platform technology can produce a wide array of value-added seafood products, that are healthy for people, humane for animals, and sustainable for the planet. Our products will contain no mercury, microplastics or other contaminants.

Job Summary:

The core responsibility of this position is to develop and optimize scalable separation technologies that will be critical for seafood cell culture. This role will specifically focus on understanding the key technologies for solid-liquid (such as cells from the culture) and liquid-liquid separations in cell culture and to effectively scale these technologies towards manufacturing. Candidates should have expertise in various separation technologies used in cell culture and demonstrated expertise in scaling up separation technologies, equipment design, experimental design, problem solving, statistical analysis, and communication of results. This position will require significant subject matter expertise and hands-on laboratory work. This position reports directly to the Sr. Bioprocess Engineer.

Essential Responsibilities:

· Lead evaluation of novel and existing technologies followed by optimization, scale-up and demonstration of solid-liquid and liquid-liquid separations for seafood cell culture to meet cost and performance criteria for manufacturing.

· Independently operate bench-scale and pilot-scale separations equipment downstream to seafood cell culture; and troubleshoot and maintain the equipment for continued operation to facilitate bioprocess development and scale-up.

· Develop specifications, procedures, and testing protocols as required for bioprocess development and validation.

· Work cross-functionally with R&D, Engineering, Quality, and Manufacturing to successfully transfer SOPs and formulations that meet target specifications.

· Collaborate with suppliers and vendors to effectively source materials and services.

· Provide regular updates to the project team and management on project timelines and deliverables.

· Preparation of invention disclosures and other IP documentation as required.

· Some weekend work may be required.

Jobs Supervised (by title):

· Sr. Bioprocess Engineer

Travel:

• As required from time to time

Minimum Qualifications:

· B.S with more than 3 years’ experience or MS with more than 1 year experience, in Chemical Engineering, or equivalent

· Proficiency in developing and demonstrating solid-liquid and liquid-liquid separations specific to cell culture including but not limited to centrifugation, microfiltration, nanofiltration, disc stack centrifuges, TFF, ATF etc. with demonstrated expertise in scaling up technology to manufacturing.

· Hands-on experience with current cell culture scalable separation systems with ability to independently operate and optimize the separation processes.

· Excellent project management, communication, and interpersonal skills.

· Demonstrated strong background to lead technically driven projects, and ability to effectively work in cross functional teams, meet deadlines, and prioritize multiple projects.

· Accurately summarize, interpret, and review experimental data with adequate computer skills for data acquisition, data management and visualization of experimental results.

· Use of DOE and related software to design and analyze experiments.

· High level of initiative to solve problems and ability to multitask.

· Exceptional interpersonal skills and organizational skills, with impeccable attention to detail.

· Experience developing procedural documentation and technology transfer protocols for separation processes in cell culture is preferred.

· Experience working in a GMP environment (and related processes and documentation) preferred.

· Legally authorized to work in the United States.

Working Environment / Physical Demands:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands:

· Ability to work in research and pilot plant environment.

· Requires sitting and standing, bending, stooping and climbing.

· Requires eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity sufficient to operate a keyboard, photocopier, telephone, calculator, and laboratory equipment.

· Requires normal range of hearing and vision (including colors) to record, prepare and communicate appropriate reports and laboratory results.

· Requires lifting up to 50 pounds. Requires exposure to machines, chemicals and solvents.

· No makeup, or jewelry can be worn when working in cleanroom environments.

· Required flexibility to meet gowning procedures for cleanroom environments.

· Ability to work 8-hour shifts including overtime, along with possible weekends and evenings.

Work Environment:

· Must understand vague and implicit instructions and react favorably in all work situations.

· Must be adaptable and flexible in dealing with a variety of people.

· Emotional stability and personal maturity are important attributes in this position.

· Must be able to resolve problems, handle conflict and make decisions under pressure.

· Ability to give, receive, and analyze information, formulate work plans, and prepare written materials, and articulate goals and action plans.

· Must understand people and be able to communicate effectively.

· Ability to do basic math calculations, input data into a computer, and analyze data is required.

· Ability to work with and directly handle products containing Major US Allergens and sensitizing agents such as fish and soy.

Additional Information

BlueNalu, Inc. provides an attractive compensation and benefits package. All applicants must be authorized to work in the US, and willing and able to work a flexible work schedule to meet the needs of the Company. BlueNalu, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. This is an excellent opportunity to join a small but quickly growing company where everybody’s contribution is equally important. BlueNalu is seeking team players that are driven, focused, creative, proactive, and productive, with excellent written and verbal communication skills, and excellent interpersonal and organizational skills. We are also seeking team members that enjoy and thrive in the atmosphere of a very fast-paced entrepreneurial environment, have a good sense of humor, and are personally motivated to make a difference to humanity and our planet.

To learn more, visit: www.bluenalu.com

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $90,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Supplemental pay types:

• Bonus pay

Ability to commute/relocate:

• San Diego, CA: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Experience:

• Process engineering: 3 years (Preferred)
• solid-liquid and liquid-liquid separations (cell culture): 1 year (Required)
• scaling up technology to manufacturing: 1 year (Required)
• project management: 1 year (Preferred)
• developing procedural documentation and tech transfer SOP: 1 year (Required)
• GMP environment: 1 year (Preferred)
• downstream process development: 1 year (Required)

Language:

• English (Required)