Fermentation Engineer/Scientist II or III

Position Overview:

Terragia is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Fermentation Engineer/Scientist II or III. This person will play an important role in contributing to the fermentation team at Terragia, which is a key group within our R&D organization. Terragia’s technology produces low-carbon ethanol from biomass using consolidated bioprocessing (CBP) and engineered thermophilic bacteria. A strategic project is underway to develop anaerobic bacteria and fermentation systems for converting cellulose- and hemicellulose-containing biomass to ethanol in an advanced CBP configuration. This involves using a defined consortium of engineered thermophilic anaerobic bacteria without thermochemical pretreatment or exogenous enzymes. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking advancements in biofuel technology while working in a collaborative and fast-paced startup environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operate and troubleshoot a laboratory scale bioreactor equipped with SIP feed system designed for metered aseptic delivery of moist biomass

• Design and execute fermentation experiments to improve a bacterial system for production of ethanol from renewable feedstocks

• Maintain organized systems for data collection

• Perform statistical analysis to draw conclusions from results

• Report outcomes to company management and other members of the team

• Operate bioreactors and smaller scale fermentation systems

• Continuously improve fermentation methods and protocols

Qualifications:

• Experience operating and modifying fermentation systems including connections, and piping

• Experience designing and operating fermentation control systems

• Experience with industrial or laboratory scale sterilization techniques ideally with experience sterilizing biomass solids

• Experience with operating and analyzing bioreactors

• Experience working with anaerobic bacterial cultures

• Bachelor’s, master’s or PhD degree in engineering, chemical, biological or mechanical, biotechnology or related field

• Demonstrated leadership in the laboratory is desired, especially in areas of fermentation

• Good communication and interpersonal skills are required, and a sensible, adaptable, and innovative attitude is desirable

• The best candidate will be able to take responsibility for overcoming technical challenges and getting things done, but also work well within a larger team

• Effective communication skills and ability to collaborate across teams

Benefits:

• Industry-competitive salary and compensation

• Comprehensive health and dental insurance plans

• Company 401k (non-matching)

• Competitive health savings account (HSA) contributions

• Future stock options in a rapidly expanding startup

• Opportunities for professional development and advancement

About Terragia:

Terragia (terragia.com) is a startup founded in October 2022 dedicated to development and commercial deployment of low-cost technology for production of low-carbon biofuels. Built on decades of pioneering research led by Chief Technology Officer and co-Founder Lee Lynd, Terragia’s unique consolidated bioprocessing (CBP) technology has documented potential to be cost-competitive with fossil fuels while realizing net removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. We are inspired by the prospect of playing a key role in climate stabilization and rural economic development and are looking to rapidly add capable individuals to our team.