About Octarine

We are a world-leading synthetic biology platform with a core mission to harness nature to drive bio-based, low-impact solutions to address the most pressing planetary issues through innovation & exploration. Founded in 2018, based on foundational research conducted at the Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology at The University of Copenhagen and the Novo Nordisk Foundation Centre for Biosustainability at The Technical University of Denmark, and driven by a responsible future where these pressing issues are met with transformative solutions. Grounded in a robust scientific foundation and unrivalled expertise in cell factory engineering, precision fermentation and enzymatic enhancement, we proudly unveil world-leading synthetic biology platforms, poised to transform entire industries for the betterment of society and the planet. We’re inspired by nature to protect nature.

Our latest R&D program harnesses fermentation to produce a new class of vibrant bio-based colours for the fashion and textiles industry, seeking to provide a solution that is not only highly sustainable, but also offers exceptional performance on a range of fabrics.

Job description

We’re looking for a junior fermentation scientist/process engineer to support our upstream development team in optimizing and scaling fermentation processes in our bio-based colours program. In the role you will work collaboratively and cross-functionally with our scientists to develop cost-effective bioprocesses at lab scale, scale them to pre-pilot level, and transfer them to our CMO partners.

Your responsibilities

Octarine’s scientists enjoy a high degree of autonomy and responsibility. With limited formal hierarchy, every scientist is encouraged (and expected) to contribute to the company’s overall scientific strategy, and develop their own hypotheses and ideas to test in the lab.

In the role you will be expected to:

Independently run all aspects of Octarine’s lab-scale fermentation platform including set-up and take-down of bioreactors, media prep, sampling etc
Collate, analyse, and interpret bioprocess data to make informed decisions on optimization targets
Assist in running 200 L bioreactors
Assist in tech-transfer to our CMO partners

Your profile

There are no formal requirements for this role aside from having the theoretical and practical knowledge needed to independently run lab-scale bioreactors. While we are ideally looking for someone at MSc level, scientists above or below this level are still encouraged to apply. Regardless of formal education, you should be able to meet as many of the following requirements as possible. While we don’t expect you to be competent in everything listed below, you should display an eagerness to learn the remaining requirements from Octarine’s experienced scientists.

MSc degree (or soon to graduate) in Bioprocessing, Biotechnology, Fermentation Science, or a related scientific field
Solid theoretical background in fermentation technology
Practical hands-on experience running lab-scale bioreactors in batch and fed-batch mode
Experience working with yeast fermentation
Working knowledge of Lucullus software
Experience working with larger-scale bioreactors
Experience with fermentation data analysis and interpretation
Strong analytical and creative skills with an ability to solve complex problems with innovative solutions
Excellent communicator with an ability to work efficiently in cross-functional teams

Why work with us?

Octarine is located in the centre of one of Europe’s most liveable cities, in a country world-renowned for its exceptionally high quality of life and work/life balance. As a synthetic biology start-up, Octarine team members have a high degree of autonomy and their decisions and daily work have a direct and measurable impact on the success of the company. Work life at Octarine is highly diverse and ever-changing, team members are called on to assist the company in a wide range of areas and are constantly challenged with new and exciting scientific problems. Octarine has a core interest in developing solutions to big societal problems and works with molecules at the cutting edge of scientific knowledge. Working at Octarine gives you a unique opportunity to uncover the full potential of these ground-breaking molecules and to see how your scientific research leads to tangible real-world solutions.

If this sounds like you and you’re excited to join our team, please apply ASAP! Applicants will be assessed on an ongoing basis. Please include a paragraph in your application (either as part of the CV or as a cover letter) with a brief explanation of how your background meets the requirements for the job. Feel free to contact Octarine’s CSO Nick Milne (nickmilne@octarinebio.com) with any questions or queries about the job posting.

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