About the company:
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.
The Research Associate will conduct a variety of experiments designed by the Pilot Plant Organization, follow the progress of the experiments, and record process details and results while maintaining an organized workspace. Analysis of results and comparison to controls will also be part of the position. This position will also be involved in the authoring of technical documents and writing/editing of standard operating procedures. This position may also be involved with the set up of new lab and pilot scale equipment, as well as basic troubleshooting of existing equipment. The nature of working with microbiology may require a flexible work schedule, and avast majority of the work will be on site. This position will be based in Nature’s Fynd Pilot Plant facilities.
Duties & Responsibilities:
Execute a variety of experiments using lab, pilot fermenters, and shake flasks, under the supervision of the principal scientists, with detailed written instructionsMonitor the details of experiments and notify scientists if the process deviates from normal or expected valuesCollect samples from experiments using aseptic technique and prepare for analysisConduct routine biological measurements using specific equipmentRecord results using a laboratory notebook, provide input and observations of experimentsInput data as determined and export data from dataloggers per SOPs using standard computer applicationsPrepare media for experimentsAssist in the maintenance of consumables and equipment parts and suppliesPlan/organize daily tasks based on provided experimental schedule. Communicate schedule changes or challengesMaintain work area and equipment to be clean, safe, and functionalParticipate in safety inspections and reviewsProvide support with other scientists as time and testing requiresUtilize critical thinking and problem-solving skills to overcome experimental issuesWork independently and train additional personnel as neededQualifications:
Bachelors’ degree preferably in scientific field or engineeringPreferred 1+ years in related fieldPreferred previous experience in aseptic technique and following SOP’sMust be able to lift 25lbTravel:
The position will require minimal travelBenefits:
Participation in Employee Stock Ownership Program100% paid employee benefitsOpportunity to join a company with an aggressive growth trajectory that will revolutionize multiple industriesCommitment To Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, And Belonging:
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 valuesEEO Statement:
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