Fermentation Engineer

Position Overview:

Terragia is seeking a motivated Fermentation Engineer to join our company. The desired candidate will have outstanding potential to become a subject matter expert for Terragia in the design, fabrication, operation and maintenance of custom bioreactors at lab (e.g. 1L) and lab pilot (50 to 200 L) scale. The level of the position will depend on the qualifications of the applicant, with Fermentation Engineer I or II most likely, but Fermentation Technician and Fermentation Engineer III also considered. The chosen candidate will play an important role in contributing to the fermentation team at Terragia, which is a key group within our R&D organization. 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:

• Problem solving and troubleshooting in a lab and pilot scale environment, mostly related to fermentation equipment performance and reliability.

• Design, build and test prototype equipment required to support the development of lab and pilot scale conversion of cellulosic feedstocks to ethanol.

• Assist in the design and execution of fermentation experiments intended to optimize the various Terragia technologies and prove commercial viability.

• Continuously improve fermentation methods and protocols

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

Qualifications:

• Outstanding mechanical aptitude, knowledge, and hands-on experience related to equipment, materials of construction and fabrication methods used to achieve high-performance fermentation in the industrial biotechnology, food or pharma industries.

• 2-5 years of hands-on experience in food, pharma or biotech preferably in an industrial research and development environment

• Experience with aseptic fermentation is highly desirable but not required.

• Experience working with anaerobic bacterial cultures is desired but not required

• The primary selection criterion will be the match between the candidate’s background and our needs rather than level of prior education. Thus candidates with PhD’s would be most welcome but exceptional candidates without a college degree will be considered.

• Demonstrated leadership in manufacturing plant or laboratory operations is desired, especially in food, pharma or biotechnology environments

• Good communication and interpersonal skills are required, and a sensible, adaptable, innovative and collaborative 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

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 is dedicated to development and commercial deployment of low-cost technology for production of low-carbon biofuels from cellulosic feedstocks. We are inspired by the prospect of playing a key role in climate stabilization and rural economic development. Our unique consolidated bioprocessing (CBP) technology using engineered thermophilic bacteria does not involve thermochemical pretreatment, exogenous enzyme addition, or yeast and has documented potential to be cost-competitive with fossil fuels.