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Senior Fermentation Operations Leader

We’re on a journey to Grow the Future of Materials. How? By unlocking the unique properties of mycelium, the root structure of mushrooms. Our patented technology, Fine Mycelium™, unleashes a new class of materials crafted from nature, engineered for performance, and built for a resilient future.We’re seeking passionate learners to join us in pioneering a materials revolution and creating an epic place to work. MycoWorks offers competitive equity and benefits programs to support the health, well-being, and financial empowerment of all our employees.We root our relationships with our partners and one another in our core values: Be Mycelial, Cultivate Quality, and Grow the Future, and we're committed to building a diverse team and an inclusive environment where all employees belong. Women, gender expansive individuals, people of color, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and LGBTQ+ candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Job Summary

The  Senior Fermentation Operations Leader will play a crucial role in the successful operation of MycoWorks’ new plant. This position ensures the biological health and operational integrity of mycelium-based production processes. The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience in industrial fungal operations, demonstrating a strong understanding of fungal mycology, environmental monitoring, aseptic practices, and data analysis. This role will involve developing and implementing protocols and systems to maintain optimal biological conditions.

This position will be instrumental in setting up and validating biological systems and processes. This includes collaborating with Engineering, Quality and Manufacturing teams to ensure seamless integration of biological aspects into overall plant operations. The role demands strong leadership to manage and mentor a dedicated team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.

Additionally, the role involves troubleshooting biological issues, implementing corrective actions, and ensuring all practices comply with internal and external standards. This position requires a proactive approach to identifying opportunities for efficiency improvements and leading initiatives to enhance the scalability and sustainability of biological operations. The successful candidate will work closely with the Operations Leader and other department leads, contributing to the overall success and growth of MycoWorks.

Responsibilities:

  • Lead the Biological Management function, focusing on continuous improvement in biological processes.
  • Ensure the biological health of the plant by monitoring environmental conditions and implementing aseptic practices.
  • Oversee cleaning and sanitization protocols to maintain a sterile production environment
  • Develop and enforce standard operating procedures (SOPs) for biological operations.
  • Develop and implement data monitoring and reporting systems to track biological performance and identify areas for improvement.
  • Prepare regular reports on biological health and present findings to plant management and other stakeholders
  • Coordinate with the Operations Leader to integrate biological management practices with overall plant operations.
  • Collaborate with the Operations Leader and other department leads to integrate biological management practices with overall plant operations including the development of validation protocols.
  • Coordinate training programs for new hires and ongoing education for existing staff on best practices in fungal mycology and aseptic techniques.
  • Manage and mentor team members, providing guidance and support to ensure high performance and professional growth.
  • Conduct regular inspections and audits of biological systems to ensure compliance with internal and external standards.
  • Investigate and resolve any biological issues that arise, implementing corrective actions as needed.

Qualifications:

  • 5-10 years of experience in industrial fungal operations, with a strong understanding of fungal mycology.
  • Must have manufacturing experience, working closely with Plant Operations teams.
  • Proven expertise in environmental monitoring, aseptic practices, and cleaning & sanitization protocols.
  • Experience in data monitoring and reporting, with the ability to analyze data and implement improvements.
  • Technical proficiency in laboratory equipment and bioprocessing technologies.
  • Knowledge of bioreactor operations and fermentation processes.
  • Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage and develop a team.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
  • Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.

Physical Demand

Frequency

Stand or Sit (stationary position)

Frequently to Constantly

Walk (move/traverse)

Occasionally to Frequently 

Dexterity (use hands/fingers to handle/feel)

Frequently to Constantly

Climb (stairs/ladders) or Balance

Seldom to Occasionally

Stoop, Kneel, Crouch, Crawl

Seldom to Occasionally

Talk/Hear (communicate/convey/discern)

Frequently to Constantly

See (observe/identify/inspect/perceive/assess)

Frequently to Constantly

Lift, Carry, Push, Pull (move/transport/install/remove)

Up to 25 lbs, Occasionally to Frequently / Up to 50 lbs, Seldom to Occasionally

Exposure to Work Environments

Working near loud machinery, Occasionally to Frequently 

 

MycoWorks offers world class benefits and compensation programs to support the health, well-being and financial empowerment of our employees. Our benefits include:

  • Medical, Vision and Dental plans at no cost to employees
  • Equity
  • Optional insurance coverage for partners and dependents
  • FSA Accounts
  • Free Personal Health Advocate
  • Generous PTO policy
  • Paid parental leave
  • Paid holidays beyond the traditional
  • 401(k) program

MycoWorks may contact you via text message regarding your application for this or similar opportunities. You can always text STOP to opt out.

This employment is contingent upon receiving applicable background check results, including drug screening, that meet standards based upon the job duties and business necessity, as well as passing a degree or license verification required for the position.

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In our commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment, we recognize the importance of accommodating individual needs. If you require any specific accommodations during the application or interview process, please feel free to let us know. We are dedicated to facilitating a comfortable and accessible experience for all candidates, and will work with you to ensure your needs are met.

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