Who We Are and What We Are Looking For
At MeliBio, we are reimagining one of the World’s most revered natural superfoods: honey. Honey has been a part of the human diet since ancient times, and is an integral part of many cultures, spanning as far back as the Egyptians and the ancient Maya.
Through our science-driven approach, MeliBio provides a solution for honey that does not rely on the honeybee, so that we can have the same delicious and nutritious product as the one that bees make for thousands of years to come, only without the negative impacts of factory farmed commercial honeybees. By overcoming the use of honeybees in the supply chain, we help support bee and pollinator diversity, thereby helping to create a healthier planet Earth. We invite you to join us in creating this Earth for future generations, an Earth that is both better for humans, and better for bees!
MeliBio is seeking a passionate and experienced Protein Scientist or Senior Scientist with expertise in assay development and enzymology to join our Microbial Development Team. In this role, you will design and implement experimental strategies to develop microbially produced products that are destined for the consumer market. As a protein scientist, you will develop and execute analytical and characterization methods to support both microbe and product development. You will contribute to the management and design of our lab space and team. You will work collaboratively with other scientists, advisors, and leadership to create optimal approaches and workflows to achieve scientific milestones. Your work will play a central role in shaping both the current and future of scientific R&D at MeliBio.
This is an exciting opportunity to join a small and dynamic team dedicated to developing microbiology centric food, and to contribute to the growing need for realizing the end of using animals in the production of food for humans. We invite all passionate, driven, and well-qualified individuals to apply.*
This is a full-time 100% onsite position located at our headquarters in Oakland, California.
*If you do not meet all of these requirements but feel that you are well aligned with the responsibilities of this role, please apply! Thoughtful cover letters go a long way and are read carefully.
What You Will Own and How You Will Make A Difference
- Serve as a technical leader within the MeliBio microbial development team by maintaining a high-level expertise to develop new, and employ existing analytical and characterization strategies for proteins and enzymes
- Lead assay development by designing, authoring SOPs for, and executing on functional and reporter assays used to support development from microbe engineering, to fermentation, to final product
- Design and advise experiments throughout the design, build, test, analyze and learn life cycle of protein/enzyme production
- Work independently and as part of a dynamic team that exercises excellence in designing and executing experiments, analyzing results, and forming logical conclusions and next-steps based on data
- Demonstrate strong attention to detail, meticulous record keeping and organization
- Manage R&D projects by planning timelines, communicating progress, and presenting updates to team members and upper management
- Maintain current understanding of relevant research in the field
- Uphold a high-standard of lab citizenship and safety in the workplace
- Serve as a mentor and role-model to other team members
- Maintain flexibility in light of changing priorities as the company evolves
Who You Are
- PhD in Biochemistry, Chemistry, or related discipline with minimum of 1+ year in relevant industry experience, BS/MS with 4+ years relevant industry experience
- Expertise in assay development in areas such as enzyme activity, protein stability, and compositional analysis
- Strong knowledge of biochemistry, enzyme catalysis, and protein functionality
- Experience in protein and analytics including Western blotting, SEC HPLC, and PTMs
- Experience managing CRO relationships
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to communicate effectively with other scientists and non-scientists alike
- Team player with ability to mentor others and work cross-functionally
Additional Desirable Skills and Experience
- Experience working with or analyzing sugars and carbohydrates
- Experience with classical or precision fermentation techniques
- Experience working with microbes to optimize secretion of heterologous proteins
- Experience working in the alternative protein and/or plant-based food space
- Computer and scripting skills (Benchling, Geneious, JMP, Python)
What we offer
Competitive benefits package, premium medical/dental/vision, 401(k) with company matching, flexible PTO, opportunity to work in an exciting startup environment, opportunities for vertical career growth, wellness stipend, free snacks, coffee and tea. Salary range: $100 k - $145 k
The culture
MeliBio is a journey into the future. It is a pioneering platform that empowers mindful innovators and brave creators of that future to make it sustainable for humankind and all the keystone species we share our planet with. MeliBio is about allowing science and imagination to integrate and connect. It is a place of diverse thoughts, voices, views, backgrounds, styles, approaches that nourishes its diversity with the belief that diversity empowers innovation. MeliBio is about the synergy of our future with the future of this planet, and believes that this shared future lies at the intersection of sustainability, health, and technological progress.
Our commitment
MeliBio, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, religion, color, national origin, disability status, preferred identity, or any other characteristics protected by law.
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to demonstrate proof of eligibility to work in the United States, proof of identity, and to complete necessary eligibility verification forms upon hire.