Principal Scientist

Job Description: Principal Scientist – Cell Line Development

Primary location: Jersey City, NJ

Fork & Good is developing new approaches to growing meat without livestock. Our approach addresses critical food safety issues, cuts out the immense resources needed for livestock, and avoids animal slaughter. We are using innovative cell culture technologies to grow cells for products that have the meat flavor we crave and the key nutrients we need. We have 80 years of combined experience in food business and science, developed one of the first prototypes of clean meat in 2011, and was the first team who had approved intellectual property (i.e. patents) in the cultured meat space in the US. Learn more about us at www.forkandgood.com.

Fork & Good is looking for Principal Scientist to join its cell line and media development team. The Principal Scientist will shape Fork & Good’s strategy for early Research and Development (R&D) workflows and partake in a cross-functional leadership role in collaborating with internal and external stakeholders. This is a great role for a highly motivated scientist who is looking to grow into a technical leadership role combining hands on wet-lab and high-level strategic projects. Principal Scientist will report to the Chief Scientific Officer.

In this role you will be expected to:

·      Contribute to and strategize on cell line and media development projects aligned with R&D and company-wide milestones. Proactively propose adjustments to goals and milestones by appropriately implementing risk mitigation methodologies.

·      Act as subject matter expert (SME) for cell line development and genetic editing workflows.

·      Design, execute, and delegate wet-lab experiments evaluating clone and media formulation candidates. Proactive in troubleshooting and optimizing methodologies.

·      Actively seek new technologies and methodologies via literature or conferences to advance cell line development capabilities. Interface with external partners and stakeholders for expanding cell line development and media development capabilities.

·      Responsible for tech-transfer of new cell lines and media formulations to bioprocess and CDMO groups.

·      Working knowledge of bioreactors and scale up of cellular biomanufacturing is a plus

·      Maintain R&D records and documents via ELN and LIMs. Audit ELNs and LIMs and mitigate with key stakeholders as necessary.

·      Author and review experimental reports, standard operating procedures (SOPs), protocols, regulatory filings, and projections for strategic models.

The successful candidate will have:

·      MS (10 years of experience) or PhD (4 years of experience) in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering, or related discipline.

·      At least 4 years of experience in an FDA regulated environment.

·      Highly proficient in genetic editing techniques and methodologies for cell line generation (e.g. CRISPR-Cas9, Transposon mediated editing etc.).

·      Highly proficient in tissue culture, cell isolation, primary cell generation, and aseptic techniques.

·      Proficient in clone characterization and experimental design through appropriate scale-down models.

·      Working knowledge of quality by design principles (QbD) in implementing genetic editing techniques and cell line generation for commercial manufacturing.

·      Advanced knowledge and proficiency in molecular biology techniques such as PCR, qRT-PCR, molecular cloning, vector design, ELISA, and western blotting.

·      In-depth understanding of cell metabolism and metabolic pathways critical for rapidly proliferating cells, including nutrient uptake, energy production, and biosynthetic processes.

·      Thorough understanding of 3D culture systems such as spheroids or organoids is a plus.

·      Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, work independently, and manage timelines to deliver results in accordance to company goals.

·      Direct management experience in developing young professionals is a plus.

·      Proficient in statistical analysis software (JMP, Minitab, Prism).

·      Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate with diverse backgrounds.

·      Experience maintaining morale and contributing to a strong culture while respecting company values.

·      Occasional weekend work is expected.

Compensation:

·      Title, competitive salary, and stock options commensurate with experience

·      Full benefits including healthcare, dental, vision, life insurance, etc.

·      Option to contribute to 401(k)

Fork & Good is an equal opportunity employer, and we value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

Please contact us at hello@forkandgood.com.