BlueNalu, Inc. is a fast-growing, San Diego-based company that is pioneering the production of seafood products derived directly from fish cells. Using proprietary cell biology techniques and engineering processes, BlueNalu’ s platform technology can produce a wide array of value-added seafood products, that are healthy for people, humane for animals, and sustainable for the planet. Our products will contain no mercury, microplastics or other contaminants.

Job Summary:

The core responsibility of this position is to develop and optimize scalable upstream technologies that will be critical for seafood cell culture. This role will focus specifically on testing and operating on bioprocess equipment at all scales and optimizing process needs to effectively scale the bioprocess towards manufacturing. Candidates should have demonstrated expertise in bioprocess development and operations including project planning and execution, experimental designs, problem solving, statistical analysis, and communication of results. This position will require significant subject matter expertise and hands-on laboratory work. This position reports directly to the Sr. Director, Bioprocess Development.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Independently operate bench-scale and pilot-scale bioprocess or fermentation equipment to facilitate seafood cell culture.
• Facilitate proper maintenance of the bioprocess equipment and critical mechanical and automation updates to the bioprocess equipment.
• Assist in design and independently execute studies for development and optimization of bioprocess towards company goals.
• Assist in the evaluation of new and existing bioprocess technologies, methods, and equipment with emphasis on scale-up and optimization of cell culture.
• Assist in the development of specifications, procedures, and testing protocols as required for bioprocess development and validation.
• Work cross-functionally with R&D, Engineering, Quality, and Manufacturing to successfully transfer SOPs that meet target specifications.
• Actively participate in day-to-day bioprocess team activities and provide regular updates to the project team and management on project timelines and deliverables.
• Assist, when required, in the preparation of invention disclosures and other IP documentation as required.
• Some weekend work may be required.

Jobs Supervised (by title):

• Sr. Director, Bioprocess Development

Travel:
*

Minimum Qualifications:

• B.S or MS in Chemical Engineering or equivalent, with at least 1-2 years experience in an industrial bioprocessing environment.
• Proficiency in operating bioreactors at both bench- as well as in pilot-scales for cell culture with fundamental understanding of process parameters that can affect scale-up of the technology to manufacturing.
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude for troubleshooting and maintaining bioreactor hardware and SCADA systems.
• Experience working in a GMP environment and proper aseptic techniques for cell culture is highly preferred.
• Experience in creating and running screening experimental designs and data collection.
• Experience working in a self-driven, performance/results oriented, fast paced matrix environment with excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively work in cross functional teams, meet deadlines, prioritize multiple projects, and communicate efficiently.
• Flexibility to work rotating weekend shifts.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Sense of humor

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to work in research and pilot plant environment.
• Requires sitting and standing, bending, stooping and climbing.
• Requires eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity sufficient to operate a keyboard, photocopier, telephone, calculator, and laboratory equipment.
• Requires normal range of hearing and vision (including colors) to record, prepare and communicate appropriate reports and laboratory results.
• Requires lifting up to 50 pounds (or up to 80 lbs with help of support systems). Requires exposure to machines, chemicals and solvents.
• No makeup, or jewelry can be worn when working in cleanroom environments.
• Required flexibility to meet gowning procedures for cleanroom environments.
• Ability to work 8-hour shifts including overtime, along with possible weekends and evenings.

Work Environment:

• Must understand vague and implicit instructions and react favorably in all work situations.
• Must be adaptable and flexible in dealing with a variety of people.
• Emotional stability and personal maturity are important attributes in this position.
• Must be able to resolve problems, handle conflict and make decisions under pressure.
• Ability to give, receive, and analyze information, formulate work plans, and prepare written materials, and articulate goals and action plans.
• Must understand people and be able to communicate effectively.
• Ability to do basic math calculations, input data into a computer, and analyze data is required.
• Ability to work with and directly handle products containing Major US Allergens and sensitizing agents such as fish and soy.

Additional Information

BlueNalu, Inc. provides an attractive compensation and benefits package. All applicants must be authorized to work in the US, and willing and able to work a flexible work schedule to meet the needs of the Company. BlueNalu, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. This is an excellent opportunity to join a small but quickly growing company where everybody’s contribution is equally important. BlueNalu is seeking team players that are driven, focused, creative, proactive, and productive, with excellent written and verbal communication skills, and excellent interpersonal and organizational skills. We are also seeking team members that enjoy and thrive in the atmosphere of a very fast-paced entrepreneurial environment, have a good sense of humor, and are personally motivated to make a difference to humanity and our planet.

To learn more, visit: www.bluenalu.com

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $65,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Stock options
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Weekends as needed

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• industrial bioprocessing environment: 1 year (Required)
• operating bioreactors at bench & pilot-scales: 1 year (Required)
• cell culture: 1 year (Required)
• GMP environment and proper aseptic techniques: 1 year (Required)
• running screening experimental designs and data collection: 1 year (Required)
• troubleshooting & maintaining bioreactor hardware: 1 year (Required)
• SCADA systems: 1 year (Required)

Language:

• English (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• San Diego, CA 92121: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person