Bioprocess Engineer

MycoWorks

MycoWorks

Software Engineering
South Carolina, USA
Posted on Jul 23, 2024

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:

We are seeking an experienced engineer to fill the role of Bioprocess Engineer within the Process Development team onsite at MWSC to act as the tactical and technical stage gate between small scale lab results and large scale manufacturing implementation. The Bioprocess Engineer will work with engineering and mycology staff to aid in the vetting of experimental bio-manufacturing techniques as they progress from lab scale to full scale, identify process control levers to shape fungal growth, and design and build growth incubators.

Responsibilities:

  • Work to enable the translation of upstream biotechnology concepts from the R&D/Mycology teams into robust, manufacturable, and scalable product offerings.
  • Act as an in-department expert on solid and liquid fungal fermentation bioprocessing techniques to validate and promote technology transfers between R&D and Manufacturing.
  • Design and facilitate small scale bioprocess experiments to help inform growth levers (growth rate, thickness, uniformity, strength, layer adhesion, etc).
  • Contribute bioprocessing expertise to designs for a heavily instrumented and highly flexible in-house pilot plant to allow for full size testing of proposed bio & manufacturing process changes.
  • Design and test novel bioprocessing techniques within our current manufacturing paradigm to help improve overall part quality and increase yield.
  • Perform common biological tests on experimental systems with Quality guidance to help gather directional data on effects on growth parameters.
  • Work with internal Quality resources to develop new in process measurement techniques to address quality concerns and loss leaders.
  • Partner cross-functionally with product research, research and development, and manufacturing operations teams to vet and recommend strategic process changes that deliver product quality improvements, process reliability upgrades, and production throughput increases.
  • Implement the MycoWay engineering work process to support the successful delivery of engineering projects across the company.

Qualifications:

  • BS/MS in Engineering or other relevant experience
  • Experience with a wide variety of bio and general manufacturing systems/techniques, including; solid state bioreactors, material handling, mixing systems, gravimetric/volumetric filling systems, autoclave/sterilization techniques, and solid and liquid fungal inoculation techniques.
  • Experience designing and implementing robust/flexible pilot scale systems, specifically targeting living biological systems (Food production, agriculture, solid fermentation, aquaculture, etc).
  • Experience with in-process measurement tools and techniques for living products.
  • Familiarity with common industrial fungal cultivation techniques, process, and tools.
  • Experience with clean spaces, working in biological safety cabinets, aseptic techniques, and sanitary design.
  • Working knowledge of common biological measurement procedures, including CFU counts, basic compound microscopy, and experience with incubators and environmental condition monitoring.
  • Experience setting up and running small scale experiments following common DOE principles.
  • Comprehensive Analytical & Problem Solving Skills.
  • Strong planning & time management background allowing participation in multiple projects.
  • Competency with Google workspace products and Microsoft excel, experience with R a plus.

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.