Bioprocess Research Associate

Mascoma Corporation is a cellulosic biomass-to-ethanol company with corporate headquarters in Boston, Massachusetts, and Research and Development labs in Lebanon, New Hampshire. Mascoma is leading the development of unique biotechnology and deployment of cellulosic production. Initial deployment activities are focused on strategic partnerships for conversion of wood-based cellulosic feedstocks into ethanol, at relevant commercial scale. 



Research Associate, Bioprocess 

Reports to: Bioprocess Laboratory Supervisor 

Location: Lebanon, NH 

Travel Requirement: < 10% 

Description / Purpose:
This position will report to the Bioprocess Laboratory Supervisor.  The Bioprocess Research Associate will work with a team to develop processes that convert cellulosic biomass to fuels and chemicals using conventional and proprietary organisms. Activities include method development, routine maintenance of equipment, documentation, report writing, and presentation of results across multifunctional teams. 

Key Responsibilities:
Key responsibilities of the successful candidate include, but may not be limited to, design, assembly, operation, routine maintenance, and trouble-shooting of small scale batch and continuous biomass processing equipment. The successful candidate will also execute pretreatment, hydrolysis, and fermentation experiments required to reach project goals as assigned by the Bioprocess Laboratory Supervisor. The successful candidate will also assist the process development and engineering teams as required to transfer technology from the laboratory to pilot, demonstration, and full scale process plants.

Minimum Qualifications: 

·  B.S. degree in Biotechnology, or Biochemical Engineering or other Engineering or Science degree with 0-5 years experience in a R&D environment OR a M.S. degree in the above area with 0-3 years of experience in a R&D environment. 

·  Familiarity with laboratory procedures associated with biological process development, including shake flask fermentation, filtration, and analytical methods for quantification of carbohydrates, proteins, and other biomass fermentation by-products.

·  Effective oral and written communication skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced development setting/organization.

Preferred:

The ideal candidate will: Work as a team player with other bioprocess research and process development team personnel to meet organizational goals. Work hands-on to troubleshoot and repair laboratory equipment, as well as design and implement new prototypes Be comfortable working in the laboratory and the pilot plant. Have excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills.   Be able to analyze, assess, recommend, and execute process optimization programs. Have demonstrated time-management, problem-prevention, and problem-solving skills. Take pride in their work as evidenced by accuracy and attention to detail. Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information. Work with co-workers, vendors, and the public professionally and tactfully. Contribute to project coordination including timeline development.  


Mascoma is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, gender, age, color, religion, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other protected factor.