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Senior Scientist, Mycelium Characterization and Data

Emeryville, California, United States

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

Characterization and Data is one of the 3 pillars of our  Innovation Center team. The Senior Scientist, Mycelium Characterization and Data will lead this function internally and manage outside vendors. They will bring expertise in analytical chemistry, fungal physiology, data characterization and data management. They will strongly collaborate with other teams within the Innovation Center to support all of the characterization needs across multiple platforms, from small scale reactors to full size production trays - from substrate, to  mycelium to Fine MyceliumTM sheet. This will include analyzing samples representative of our process from start to finish including raw material, mycelium biomass, and Reishi sheets. Additionally, this position will lead the management of data collection, data analysis and data reporting. They will also lead initiatives with external vendors to advance the characterization efforts and identify relevant analytical methods and instruments.

Responsibilities:

  • Build the characterization function and workflows to identify, develop and operationalize evaluation methods to advance the understanding of our Fine MyceliumTM platform
  • Strategize what efforts to bring in-house versus using external expertise
  • Oversee, coach, and develop a small team of scientists and technicians, fostering a collaborative and high-performing culture.
  • Manage relationship with external entities for method development and execution 
  • Build data visualization tools to compile both experimental data reports and facility housekeeping reports (environmental monitoring, process health, etc.)
  • Summarize complex technical information from different technical groups/vendors into more systematic conclusions informing levers for future experiments.
  • Proactively alert to anomalies in characterization results
  • Collaborate with a counterpart in Information Technology to advise on data infrastructure and collection needs
  • Participate in strain engineering and process improvement strategy by advising on key learnings identified by the characterization process
  • Establish performance goals for the team, provide regular feedback, and manage performance reviews.
  • Ensure the team maintains a high standard of accuracy, compliance, and safety in laboratory operations.

Qualifications:

  • PhD in Life Science, Chemical Engineering, or Biology, with at least 8 years of experience in the agriculture or biotech industries
  • Experience in analytical chemistry and method development is required
  • Expertise in fungal or microbial physiology, mycology/microbiology, fermentation, data science and statistics strongly desired, bioinformatics and genome editing experience is preferred
  • Experience with developing data collection and management systems in-line with needs of project(s)
  • Experience with developing integrated workflows that allow end-to-end traceability and reproducibility of data
  • Experience working with cross-functional teams to deliver on goals
  • Demonstrated experience directly managing and developing a small team in a scientific or technical setting.
  • Thrives in a fast paced environment
  • Strategic, collaborative, and proactive mindset

 

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.

Our job titles may span more than one career level. The targeted base pay for this role is $135,000-$152,000 . The actual pay is dependent on other factors such as training, skills, work experience and business needs. The target pay range is subject to change and may be modified. This role is also eligible for benefits and equity.

 

 

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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