SENIOR SCIENTIST
Location: Warrenville, IL FLSA Status: Exempt Status: Full time

SUMMARY
Synata Bio is commercializing novel fermentation technology to process synthesis gas into high value products. We have combined our proprietary microbial platform with industry-standard gas-production and product-recovery technologies. The complete process has been operated successfully at a significant scale and offers high yields, advantaged costs, and feedstock flexibility. We are currently executing multiple projects for design, build, and operation of commercial-scale ethanol plants.
The Senior Scientist will lead efforts to improve the performance of our proprietary biocatalyst through the use of directed evolution, multi-omics, and metabolic pathway engineering. The position will require extensive knowledge of “omics” technologies, including transriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and genome-scale metabolic modeling. In addition to deep knowledge in microbial physiology, candidates should have excellent leadership and collaboration skills. This role requires hands-on laboratory work.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
• Leads projects to improve biocatalyst through metabolic pathway engineering and directed evolution.
• Employs knowledge of microbial physiology and genome scale modeling to interpret multi-omic and fermentation data.
• Provides results, data interpretation, and experimental recommendations to key stakeholders within R&D, Operations, and Engineering.
• Collaborates with R&D and engineering teams to optimize and scaleup fermentation technology.
• Applies current industry best practices, proactively evaluate new technologies, stay current with relevant literature, and implement new features and functionality in the bioprocess development platform.
• Actively participates in broader organizational efforts for continuous improvement.
• Participates in safety training and safety improvement projects and activities and prioritizes safety in all activities and projects.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/COMPETENCIES
To perform the essential functions of this position successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Education: Ph. D in Microbiology, Biology, Biochemistry, Metabolic Engineering, Chemical Engineering or equivalent, and 3-5 years post-graduate experience.
• Experience: 6 years laboratory experience in microbiological, chemical engineering, or biochemical research field. Position scope will be commensurate with prior experience.
• Specialized Job/Technical Knowledge: Hands-on experience with metabolic pathway engineering, synthetic biology, strain engineering in diverse species. Experience with multi-omic technologies, as well as microbial physiology of anaerobes.
• Essential Competencies: Strong leadership and communications skills, oral, and written. Strong problem solving and critical thinking skills. Comfort working as part of a team in a start-up environment. Ability to lead and mentor others and to work independently with a strong focus on identifying challenges, shaping projects, delivering results, and creating alternative solutions. Strong time management skills.

We Value:
• Experience with high throughput screening of biological systems.
• Knowledge of statistical methods as applied to design of experiments and experimental analysis.
• Experience with fermentation equipment at bench, pilot, and industrial scale.
• Experience in project management including planning, leading, monitoring and successfully executing complex projects.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
This position will be reports to our Director of Strain Development and is based in Warrenville, IL. This position operates in a laboratory environment and includes work around chemical hazards such as toxic and flammable substances and supports a 24/7 operating environment. Occasional work outside normal business hours may be required.

Physical requirements:
• Prolonged periods of standing in the lab.
• Ability to lift up to 10 lbs. occasionally.
Synata Bio is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.