Scientist II/Senior Scientist I: Protein Chemistry • Passion Placement

Chicago, IL

Nature’s Fynd is a groundbreaking food tech company born out of NASA-supported research on extremophiles in the geothermal pools of Yellowstone National Park. Our novel fermentation technology produces a sustainable source of complete protein using only a fraction of the resources required by traditional agriculture. As the challenge to feed the world’s expanding population grows, our mission is to create amazing foods and materials that provide sustainable choices and nurture the planet.

We’re looking for passionate, driven, and ambitious people to join our fast-growing team.

The Protein Chemistry Scientist will be an integral part of a team which

will develop filamentous fungi for heterologous protein production. The successful candidate will have experience purifying and characterizing proteins produced in a microbial system.

*Target start date Q2 2022

Duties & Responsibilities:

Purify and characterize proteins, both native and heterologous expressed, to determine similarity to the native protein including post-translational modifications

Independently execute tasks including development of new assays, setting up new methods for protein characterization, regular sample handling, and developing analytical methods

Development of methods to characterize protein functionality

Contributing to the discovering of connections between genotypes and key phenotypes of filamentous fungi, to develop improved strains

Characterization of secretome and proteome of wild type, engineered and improved strains

Working with molecular biology team to develop strategies to engineer filamentous fungi to produce products of interest

Working well in teams to develop new technology and products you’d never achieve on your own

Provide data-driven insights to solve technical challenges

Conduct bench-top work, and analyze, summarize present scientific outcomes

Provide accurate, clear, and concise reports on R&D activities

Position Requirements:

BS, MS or PhD in Protein Chemistry, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related technical field

The specific job level offered will depend on qualifications. As guidance, the Scientist II position requires a BS with 10+ years, MS with 5+ years or PhD with no experience. Positions at the Senior Scientist I level requires a Ph.D. degree with 2 – 5 years related experience

An innovative mind-set and can-do attitude coupled with an enthusiasm for engineering filamentous fungi for protein production

Contributed to strain improvement programs focused on protein expression, metabolic engineering or other applied objectives

Knowledge of protein structure and function properties

Expertise in protein purification and structural analysis

Expertise characterizing proteins for glycosylation

Experience in quantifying and characterizing heterologous produced proteins is preferred

Strong written and verbal communication skills as well as interpersonal skills

Attention to details and ability to work in an interdisciplinary team environment

Excellent organizational, interpersonal and communication skills

Comfortable working in a start-up environment

Strong problem solving and critical thinking skills

Company Benefits:

Participation in Employee Stock Ownership Program

100% paid employee benefits

Ability to join a company with an aggressive growth trajectory

More Information

City Chicago