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We are looking for a scientist or engineer with expertise in biomass pretreatment and related separations, analytics, and process engineering to join our team. In this position you will be responsible for leading process design, optimization, and scale-up of Oleo’s biomass deconstruction process, and its integration into Oleo’s end-to-end biomanufacturing platform. This role is laboratory-based and is in person in Berkeley, CA. Our team of four will look to you to lead biomass deconstruction experiments, as well as daily operations in our lab.​

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Primary Responsibilities of this Role Include:

• Leading the development of an integrated process for converting biomass waste into fermentable sugars, including the evaluation of different solvents and catalysts. 

• Brainstorming, designing, planning, and executing benchtop and laboratory-scale biomass deconstruction experiments, followed by scale-up tests. 

• Developing and optimizing analytical methods, analyzing samples, and interpreting data to drive process development and optimization. 

• Characterizing and evaluating biomass feedstocks, and the solid and liquid streams from Oleo’s biomass pretreatment process.

• Evaluating different separation, concentration, and crystallization technologies to enhance product recovery, as well as catalyst and solvent recycling.

• Identifying and implementing process improvements to enhance efficiency, product quality, and cost-effectiveness.

 

As the Ideal Candidate, you Would Bring:

• MS/PhD in chemical engineering, biochemical engineering, chemistry, biochemistry, or other related fields, with 1-3 years of industry experience.

• Expert knowledge of thermochemical and thermomechanical biomass deconstruction methods.

• Demonstrated competency designing and executing experiments, and making data driven decisions based on experimental outcomes.

• Ability to leverage physical and chemical characterization techniques, including mass spectrometry, to measure key properties of feedstocks, cellulosic hydrolysates and waste sludges. 

• Familiarity with separation technologies for isolating compounds from dilute aqueous solutions. 

• A sense of initiative and organizational acumen to prioritize research efforts and take ownership of projects from ideation to implementation.

• The resilience to overcome technical challenges and persevere through bottlenecks to ensure successful project implementation.

• The ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with teammates, stakeholders, and suppliers.

 

Nice to Haves:​

• Previous experience working on biomass deconstruction.

• CAD competency for the design of custom laboratory equipment.

• Knowledge of statistical methods including design of experiments.

• Experience designing and tuning ionic liquids.

 

What we Offer:

• Annual salary of $90,000 - $110,000

• Company equity

• Healthcare

• Competitive PTO

 

We are focused on building a diverse and inclusive workforce, and are looking for a talented generalist to join our team. If you’re excited about this role, but do not meet 100% of the qualifications listed above, we encourage you to apply.