Ingredient Science-Biochemist (Senior/Principal)

Nature’s Fynd is a Chi­ca­­go-based food com­pa­ny cre­at­ing ver­sa­tile alterna­tive pro­teins to nour­ish the world’s grow­ing pop­u­la­tion while nur­tur­ing the plan­et. Born out of research con­duct­ed for NASA on microbes in Yellowstone Nation­al Park, the company’s break­through tech­nol­o­gy pro­duces Fy™. Fy is a new-to-the-world, nutri­tion­al fun­gi protein that only uses a frac­tion of the resources required by tra­di­tion­al agri­cul­ture. We use Fy to make delicious, nutritious, and sustainable meat and dairy alternatives.

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.

As a Food Biochemist in the ingredient science (Fy Science) team you will be responsible for designing, conducting, and analyzing experiments to develop new applications of a mycoprotein for use in food. This could include work on the isolation, characterization, and functionalization of proteins from various sources, such as plants or animals, as well as the development of new food products utilizing these functional proteins. The biochemist would be expected to have a strong background in protein chemistry, biochemistry, as well as experience in laboratory techniques such as protein purification and characterization.  In addition to conducting experiments, the biochemist would be responsible for interpreting data and communicating findings to a team of scientists, as well as collaborating with other departments such as R&D, QA/QC, product development and production. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as experience in project management, are also important for this role.

As a Food Biochemist at Nature’s Fynd, you will be a key member of the Fy Science team in R&D serving as a subject matter expert for protein functionality and characterization of mycoprotein. You will work cross-functionally to improve the taste, texture, and appearance of products.  This role will report directly to the Manager of Fy Science. A vast majority of this job will be on site. This position will be based in Chicago, IL.

Investigate the composition of different mycoprotein ingredients including proteins, carbohydrates, and small molecules

Elucidate the functionality of the specific components of the mycoprotein ingredient

Understand interaction(s) of the ingredient in food matrices with other functional ingredients

Work cross-functionally with product development to translate insights on ingredients and specific components to food prototypes

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

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

Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Protein Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, or a related biological science field, with 5+ years of research expertise in protein biochemistry and biological polymer biochemistry (including characterization and purification strategies)

Industrial experience required

 Expertise with a range of analytical techniques in protein biochemistry and polymer chemistry

Experience in food characterization and functionality of ingredients

Experience in protein modeling and protein structure-function analysis and software

Interest in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, and willingness to brainstorm in topics outside your area of research

Ability to work independently, but as part of a wider team

 Willingness to mentor both senior and junior research colleagues

Excellent communication, presentation and organizational skills

Comfortable working in a startup environment, entrepreneurial mindset, and enthusiasm for innovation

Emphasis on personal transparency and accountability

Self-motivated with the ability to work independently & with a team  

Ability to manage workflow for multiple projects and tasks

Detail-oriented, organized and capacity to meet deadlines 

Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, across organizational functions  

Exhibit a strong sense of professional and personal integrity  

Inherent curiosity and creativity in solving problems to understand how things work  

Ability to handle and maintain the confidentiality of highly sensitive information  

Versatility, flexibility, and willingness to work enthusiastically within changing priorities

Participation in Employee Stock Ownership Program

100% paid employee benefits (medical, dental, vision)

Generous parental leave policy

Opportunity to join a company with an aggressive growth trajectory that will revolutionize multiple industries

Engaging and dynamic work culture full of innovation and collaboration with your fellow Fynders

 Nature’s Fynd views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law