Biomaterials Scientist

Position Type: Full-Time

Compensation: Annual salary $80,000 - $90,000 and performance-based bonuses

Location: On-site, Vacaville, CA

Nexture Bio is seeking a skilled and motivated Biomaterials Scientist to help drive the development of advanced biomaterials to enable the field of cell-cultured meat and support the development and implementation of a scale-up strategy for materials production. This full-time in-person position in Vacaville, CA will work in a GMP facility where you will support R&D and production.

The ideal candidate will be a technical expert and have hands-on experience with the forming of biopolymers through various methods (e.g., electrospinning equipment and/or various shaping, spraying, and fiber spinning or extruding techniques) contributing to innovative product development and process optimization. Additionally, this role will work with external partners to investigate scale-up manufacturing methods and tech transfer existing formulations to these new methods. This role reports directly to the VP of Research & Development.

Nexture Bio develops animal-component-free microcarriers, scaffolds, and cell-attachment factors made with ingredients that are safe and suitable for use in food products. Nexture Bio is a Generation Food Rural Partners (GFRP) portfolio company, launched in December 2023.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and scale up biomaterial products for mass production.
• Lead internal pilot-scale production and tech transfer for biomaterial products.
• Operate and maintain equipment for experimental and production activities.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including tissue engineers, product developers, and R&D staff. Occasional travel may be required; approximately 10% time.
• Document research findings, methods, and production techniques, ensuring traceability and reproducibility.
• Stay up-to-date with industry advancements and integrate new technologies into Nexture Bio's processes.
• Advise the management team on product and patent development and present work to peers, reviewers, conferences, and customers
• Provide customer support and service.
• Troubleshooting upstream and downstream equipment operations.
• Maintain and execute the Preventive Maintenance Program and offer process improvements.
• Leading training initiatives on reliability improvements, ensuring operators are up to date and compliant on new processes.
• Support a dynamic operations team and build systems with them.
• Lead project efforts to support company-wide goals to scale the cultivated meat industry.
• Commission and validate new equipment.
• Be ready to thrive in a startup environment by taking on any task as needed.
  
  

Skills And Qualifications

• Background in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field.
• Bachelor's degree with 6+ years, Master's degree with 3+ years, or PhD with postdoctoral studies in scale-up and manufacturing of polymer materials or biomaterials.
• Proficiency with electrospinning equipment is preferred and experience with electrospraying, extrusion techniques, and other processes, including covalent conjugation and synthesis a plus.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with a keen attention to detail.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, innovative environment.
• Industry experience in a GMP environment is preferred.
• Familiarity with plant proteins and food science preferred.
  
  

Benefits

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Collaborative and supportive company culture.
• Cutting-edge research environment with state-of-the-art equipment.
  
  

Application Process

Please submit a resume and cover letter via LinkedIn. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until this position is filled. If you do not send both a resume and a cover letter, your application will not be considered.

Research shows that women, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ candidates are less likely to apply for positions if they don't meet the exact criteria that have been specified in writing. Your skills matter – they matter to us and we believe that our diversity, uniqueness, and individual experiences and perspectives make us an impactful organization.

We look forward to hearing from you!