Research Assistant, Microbial Fermentation – Davis, CA
ADM Research & Development
This is a full-time, exempt level position.

Position Summary:
We are seeking to fill a position as Research Assistant within our microbial fermentation team supporting support development of bacterial (Bacillus) and/or filamentous fungal (Aspergillus, Trichoderma) strains for production of industrial enzymes. The successful candidate will contribute to research projects involving a multidisciplinary scientific staff encompassing molecular biologists, biochemists and assay specialists. The individual will be a highly motivated self-starter with basic knowledge of microbial fermentation processes, bacterial & fungal physiology and/or biochemical engineering. The selected person will operate and take samples from fermentation vessels for subsequent protein and metabolite analyses.

Job Responsibilities:

• Prepare media components and equipment for daily operation of fermentation vessels in compliance with company safety standards.
• Fermenter preparation, sterilization and turnaround; aseptic sample collection and processing.
• Grow microbial biomass in laboratory scale fermentation vessels, ensuring consistently high-quality results.
• Mechanical troubleshooting, routine care and maintenance of equipment.
• Work with scientific staff on scheduling fermentations.
• Interface and collaborate productively with members of cross-organizational research teams and corporate R&D units.
• Maintain laboratory documentation in accordance to required scientific, regulatory, and intellectual property requirements
• Identify, communicate and resolve problems in a timely manner.
• Maintain safe practices and work environment, wearing of PPE.

Job Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Chemical Engineering, Microbial Physiology or a closely related discipline. Previous industrial experience is preferred.
• Monitoring, troubleshooting and maintenance of fermentation vessels and associated equipment/software.
• Must be able to lift and move at least 50 lbs.
• Capability to manage multiple duties and tasks within a single day including scheduling instrumentation and preparing reagents and material.
• Fervent affinity for lab work in industrial environments; results-oriented mind set.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal and communication skills.
• Team player and able to work in multidisciplinary teams.
• Creativity, strong problem solving and critical thinking skills.
• Computer skills (proficiency with MS Office, scientific software packages is expected).
• Strong data analysis skills, including the use of statistics (JMP or similar software) and control charts to monitor and analyze results.
• Working knowledge of bacterial and filamentous fungal biology.
• Tenacity in pursuing objectives to completion correctly and on time.
• Candidate must be flexible, adaptable, and available to work on weekends or after normal business hours as needed.

ADM is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability and veteran status.

This position offers a complete benefit package, including 401K/ESOP, pension, health, life and dental insurance.

ADM requires the successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen and a background check.

ADM unlocks the power of nature to enrich the quality of life. We're a premier global human and animal nutrition company, delivering solutions today with an eye to the future. We're blazing new trails in health and well-being as our scientists develop groundbreaking products to support healthier living. We're a cutting-edge innovator leading the way to a new future of plant-based consumer and industrial solutions to replace petroleum-based products. We're an unmatched agricultural supply chain manager and processor, providing food security by connecting local needs with global capabilities. And we're a leader in sustainability, scaling across entire value chains to help decarbonize our industry and safeguard our planet. From the seed of the idea to the outcome of the solution, we give customers an edge in solving the nutritional and sustainability challenges of today and tomorrow. Learn more at www.adm.com.

ADM is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability and veterans status.

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