- Office in Austin
Description
The Company
MaverickX is revitalizing critical resource extraction with precision biologics. We are a team of scientists, engineers, and business operators who are bringing cutting-edge biotechnology products to the world’s most critical industries.
The Role
We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Research Associate to join our Bioprocess Technical Operations team. Under the guidance of our experienced scientists and engineers, you will gain hands-on experience and develop skills in fermentation and bioprocess development. The Research Associate will contribute to ongoing projects, conduct fermentation experiments as specified, and assist in bioprocess development activities. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in biotechnology, microbiology, biochemistry, biochemical engineering, or a related field, along with experience working with microbial cultures and bench-scale fermenters.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare and sterilize culture media for fermentation experiments
- Set up, operate, and monitor bench-scale bioreactors/fermenters
- Monitor and control key process parameters, including pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature, agitation, and aeration
- Perform aseptic sampling and prepare samples for analytical testing
- Support fermentation process development and optimization
- Evaluate media composition and feeding strategies to optimize microbial growth and productivity
- Clean, sterilize, and maintain bioreactors and associated process equipment
- Analyze fermentation data and prepare experimental reports
- Support process scale-up from shake flasks to bench-scale bioreactors
- Follow established SOPs and laboratory safety procedures
- Maintain accurate documentation of experimental procedures, process data, results, and observations
Qualifications
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in biochemical engineering, chemical engineering, biotechnology, microbiology, biochemistry, or a related field
- 2+ years of hands-on experience in a laboratory, fermentation, or bioprocess development environment
- Hands-on experience operating bench-scale fermenters or bioreactors, basic understanding of key process parameters
- Experience working with bacterial and other microbial cultures
- Excellent attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records
- Good communication and teamwork skills
- Ability to work independently and in team and manage multiple tasks effectively
- Knowledge of laboratory safety protocols and procedures
