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 successful candidate will provide analytical results to support R&D, manufacturing, product development and quality. The successful candidate will have expertise in analytical tools and instruments as well as data analysis. The candidate will possess knowledge of analytical methods to analyze microbial biomass, fermentation media, food products, and secondary metabolites. The successful candidate will be collaborating cross-functionally with R&D, pilot plant, production, quality, and regulatory.
Previous track-record of successfully developing analytical methods used to develop or test commercial microbial or food products is desirable.
This position will be in Chicago, Illinois.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Provide research and analytical support to R&D projects as well as cross-functionally
Supervise and train all laboratory personnel on jobs such as chemical inventory and analysis, instrument and equipment operation, and chemical waste and disposal management
Create and implement analytical and validation methods, as well as standard operating procedures for the laboratories that enable high efficiency technical support and the development of new products
Provide analytical support, using newly established methods, to address manufacturing process changes as needed
Provide research and analytical support for various R&D projects including specification of new products, evaluation of new inputs, and routine laboratory analyses of various production samples
Conducting research in methods to support R&D programs, manufacturing process development, quality, and product development
Working well in teams to develop innovative technology and products you would 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:
PhD in Chemistry or related field with focus on analytical sciences and 2 or more years of experience
Masters in chemistry or related field with focus on analytical sciences and 5 or more years of experience
An innovative mind-set and can-do attitude coupled with an enthusiasm for optimizing production of filamentous fungi and development food products
Strong interpersonal, influencing, and project management skills
Technical expert in developing analytical methods
Experience using common analytical laboratory equipment and analytical data analyses
In-depth technical knowledge and direct experience in wet chemical and instrumental analyses
Computer skills in data spreadsheet, work processing, and PowerPoint presentation programs
Hands-on experience with analytical techniques and methodologies: ICP-MS, Elemental (CHNS/O) Analyzer, GC-MS, HPLC, LC-MS, TGA/DSC, FT-IR, UV/Vis Spectrophotometer, optical microscopes and various wet chemical methods
Experience with laboratory management and industrial product quality control guidelines, such as GLP and cGMP, ISO, etc.
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Comfortable working in a start-up environment
Ability to work effectively in a team environment and influence technical direction and strategy
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
