Co-Founder & Chief Technology Officer (gn) – Fermentation & Bioprocess Engineering @ Early Stage Biotech, UK

ABOUT THE VENTURE

Healthy nutritious modern food depends on various chemical additives imparting flavour, texture, colour, and nutritional properties. These biochemicals are currently extracted from plants or produced by fermentation of sugar-rich agricultural products like corn, sugar cane, or beets. However, with an increasing demand for sustainable chemicals, we see increased competition for agricultural land to produce biochemicals. The result is food insecurity, increased agrarian pollution, and deforestation to create more agricultural land. We must therefore choose between a secure and equitable food supply and creating sustainable chemicals.

Our goal is to solve this dilemma by making chemicals using only a fraction of the land and water of traditional production.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are looking for a Co-Founder & Chief Technology Officer to join us in revolutionizing the way we produce biochemicals. As the CTO, you will work closely with our scientific founder to lead the development of groundbreaking technologies for securing global supply chains and decarbonizing agriculture. You’ll play a pivotal role in shaping the company's technological vision and overseeing the development and scaling of bioprocesses. You will play a pivotal role in developing cutting-edge technologies for biochemical production. You will lead the development and optimization of our bioprocess design and downstream processes, with a particular focus on the extraction, purification, and concentration of biochemical products.

Key Responsibilities

• Bioprocess Development:

  • Work on creating new bioprocesses using a range of gas fermentation technologies. Including genetic modification, pathway optimization, bioprocess design, scaling bioprocesses, and downstream purification of chemicals.

• Downstream Processing:

  • Develop and implement techniques such as centrifugation, filtration, and chromatography to efficiently isolate and purify chemicals produced through fermentation.

  • Ensure scalable and cost-effective downstream processing methods.

• Process Optimization:

  • Design and optimize fermentation and downstream processes to ensure efficient production of target chemicals, contributing to a sustainable and scalable bioprocessing pipeline.

• Innovation and Collaboration:

  • Work closely with the the scientific founder to innovate and develop novel, high-value chemical products. You will provide scientific insights and contribute to the overall strategic vision of the company.

• Strategic Collaboration:

  • Foster partnerships with academic institutions, industrial partners, and government agencies to drive innovation and create growth opportunities.

• Project Management: 

  • Plan, manage, and execute process optimization projects from conception through to industrial-scale implementation.

WHAT YOU NEED TO SUCCEED

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Bioprocess Engineering, or Related Field: Candidates with an M.Sc. and significant experience in downstream processing will also be considered.
• Track record of working in a biotech or fermentation-related industry, start-up experience is a plus.
• Expertise in downstream processing techniques such as centrifugation, filtration, chromatography, and chemical extraction.
• Proven experience in biotechnology, fermentation processes, and working with non-model organisms.
• Strong track record in scaling up lab processes to pilot or industrial scale.
• Proven ability to manage projects from conception through execution.
• Strong passion for climate tech and building a climate-positive company.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Equity in the Company: As a co-founder, you will receive equity, allowing you to grow alongside the company.

• Opportunity to Shape the Future: Be a part of building a climate-tech company with the potential to make a significant impact on global CO2 emissions.

• Flexible, Dynamic Environment: Work in a fast-paced, innovative start-up where your contributions will directly influence the company's success.