Research Associate, Microbiology

Research Associate

VitaKey is an exciting start-up using a proprietary technology for precision delivery of micronutrients and probiotics to improve the nutritional value of foods and beverages to better human health. We are seeking innovative and motivated scientists to be part of the initial growth of the company. Learn more about our company on our website at www.VitaKey.com

Role Summary

Responsibilities will involve the building of a laboratory that provides formulations development and customization expertise utilizing a validated platform technology for precision delivery of micronutrients and/or probiotics. You will serve as a team member and/or team leader on project teams. Projects will be highly interdisciplinary, on the intersection of engineering, biochemistry, materials science, food science and nutrition.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct experiments on probiotics including: culturing microbes/probiotics, maintaining microbe/probiotic cultures, microbiological enumeration, and preparation of laboratory solutions including media and agar.
• Evaluate probiotics and probiotic formulations for stability during storage, resistance against biological challenges, and for compatibility with various small molecules and/or macromolecules
• Conduct in vitro stability studies.
• Perform experimental analyses on in vivo release and absorption, or colonization, studies.
• Work with fellow scientists within the group and with external laboratories, and present ideas and results.
• Develop reproducible standard operating procedures

Qualifications

• BS scientists with a minimum of 1 year experience in academia or industry in microbiology, biology, animal sciences, agricultural sciences, biochemistry, biomedical engineering, food science or allied disciplines
• Experience working with bacteria, microbes, or probiotics
• Experience generating and interpreting experimental data
• Demonstrated record of successfully executing complex projects in a related field
• Entrepreneurial and self-motivated work style
• Excellent cross-disciplinary skills in communicating scientific ideas to non-scientist stakeholders to foster collaboration and deliverable-based teamwork
• Startup experience is highly valued. Ability to adjust rapidly to changing scientific priorities and technologies

Company Benefits Include:

Health & Welfare Benefits

Employee Stock Options