Sr. Research Associate, Invertebrate Cell Culture Media Biologist

About us

At the forefront of farming and food, UPSIDE Foods is innovating new ways to produce real meat, without the need to breed, feed and slaughter animals. Our process begins with an animal cell, which is cultivated and harvested as meat. The founding company of the industry, UPSIDE Foods is a mission-driven organization focused on bringing to meat lovers an authentic product that is truly humane, sustainably produced, nutritious and delicious! We are now expanding our team of dedicated professionals across disciplines to make better meat for a better world.

About this job

UPSIDE has experienced growth over the last two years and we are seeking an innovative individual who enjoys fast-paced growth and is passionate about changing the future of food! The Sr. Research Associate, Invertebrate Cell Culture Media Biologist will be responsible for designing and executing experiments focused on developing cell culture media formulations for marine invertebrates. You will analyze and interpret data, convey the study findings to small and large teams, and provide input for future experiments alongside the lead scientist.

Responsibilities include… 

• Development and characterization of media for marine invertebrate cell cultivation
• Design, execution and statistical analysis of multi omic experiments
• Present experimental results to cross functional teams
• Troubleshoot experimental workflows and issues that arise
• Maintain laboratory notebooks with detailed experimental designs and results

About you…

• M.S. in cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, bioengineering, or closely related science, or B.S./B.A. with 4+ years of industry or academic experience in a related field
• Desired: M.S. focused on invertebrate biology and media development
• Working knowledge or hands-on experience of cell culture processes and media development.
• Experience with multi-omic experiment design and analysis
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, evolving, and cross-functional environment

Who you’ll work with…

• This position will be located in Madison, WI in the Upside Foods-Midwest office. 
• While we expect growth in all functions in the next 1-2 years, this role will most frequently interact with our R&D and Media Development  teams.

Key Contributions in First Year…

• Accept direction from the Lead Scientist and execute in the lab independently within six weeks.
• Understand traditional and high throughput workflows in media development within the first three months.
• Present data demonstrating steps toward achieving 1 goal to a cross-functional team in the first three months.

UPSIDE Benefits!

• Stock options for all full-time incoming team members!
• 90-100% employer-paid healthcare premiums for team members (medical [including HSA and FSA], dental, and vision)
• Pet insurance for your furry family members!
• Unlimited PTO
• DE&I (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) Council and People Engagement Programs
• Company-sponsored learning & development opportunities

UPSIDE Foods is an equal opportunity employer and we value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. Our company-wide mission is to create a product for everyone, so we are deeply committed to having teams and leaders that reflect this mission.