Scientist, Molecular Biology

Debut Biotech is a high-growth company located in sunny San Diego, CA. At the heart of our ethos is the ability of synthetic biology to create over 60% of the material inputs for society to provide a sustainable future. While many have attempted to achieve this goal using traditional fermentation, no platform can convert low-cost renewable feedstocks into ANY material; our advanced biomanufacturing platform will be the first. At Debut, we promise that your day-to-day innovation will drive us closer to realizing this critical vision and that failure is OK when shooting for the stars; if you're not failing, you're not pushing hard enough. We genuinely believe that Debut will be THE biomanufacturing company and the vision for a better tomorrow motivates our team. If you are passionate, like fast-paced innovation and close-knit teams, then Debut is for you.

Debut Biotech is hiring a full-time Scientist for our rapidly growing team. As a member of our ReSource team, you will work closely with other Scientists and our partner Battelle to advance the science. The ReSource team is part of a DARPA program to transform plastic and paper waste into functional high-value materials. You will test novel enzymes in various conditions to support our biological solution to manufactured waste. In addition, you will have the opportunity to expand your technical skillset and communication skills while working on cutting-edge core technology on this team.

We are looking for candidates with a sense of urgency, contagious optimism, and a can-do attitude. They must lead by example and hold themselves and others accountable while maintaining productive and professional relationships within the team.

Primary responsibilities are as follows:

• Characterization of novel genes/proteins in multiple host organisms
• Developing protein expression and purification conditions for uncharacterized enzymes
• Creation and optimization of cell lines and enzymes for waste product degradation
• Leading troubleshooting efforts for protein expression and enzyme activity assays
• Writing technical documents which include standard operating procedures, detailed lab notebooks, and update presentations

Preferred qualifications:

• A Master's degree in Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry or other related disciplines with 3+ years,?or?a PhD in Biology, Chemistry, or Biochemistry or other related disciplines * Broad molecular biology experience including: DNA manipulation, protein purification and enzyme activity assays, host organism transformation and culture
• Previous work with heterologous expression systems * Experience in using typical analysis equipment such plate readers, HPLC, LCMS, and GCMS is a bonus
• Strong collaborative skills and ability to excel in a fast-paced environment
• May be required to stand for long periods of time while performing duties?
• Must be flexible to work varying schedules and hours as needed?
• Must be able to work safely with chemicals and hazardous materials?

Other:

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.
• Must be willing to work with biohazardous agents (up to BSL2).
• Work requires sufficient hand, arm, and finger dexterity to operate computer keyboard and office equipment. Laboratory operations require dexterity and care to perform studies as required.
• The R&D laboratory will result in exposure to hot and cold temperatures, noise, fumes, limited dust, and oily coolants.
• Requires walking, climbing stairs, bending and occasional lifting of material up to fifty (50) pounds.
• The performance of this position will present exposure to an industrial environment and requires support and compliance with the published Company PPE policy including but not limited to the use of personal protective equipment such as safety glasses with side shields, appropriate attire, safety shoes, hard hat, hearing protection, etc.
• Debut Biotech is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

To learn more about Debut please see: ?

DIC, Debut Biotech Team Up to Develop and Bio-Manufacture Natural Pigments for More Sustainable Food Colorants and Cosmetics: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210728005386/en/DIC-Debut-Biotech-Team-Up-to-Develop-and-Bio-Manufacture-Natural-Pigments-for-More-Sustainable-Food-Colorants-and-Cosmetics

DSM Agrees to Evaluate Debut's Scalable Cell-Free Manufacturing Platform (Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News): https://www.genengnews.com/topics/bioprocessing/dsm-agrees-to-evaluate-debut-biotechs-scalable-cell-free-manufacturing-platform/

Next gen cell-free biomanufacturing could unlock opportunities to synthesize natural ingredients (Food Navigator-USA): https://www.foodnavigator-usa.com/Article/2021/03/23/Next-gen-cell-free-biomanufacturing-could-unlock-opportunities-to-biosynthesize-far-wider-set-of-natural-ingredients-claims-startup

Company website: https://debutbiotech.com

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $95,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Relocation assistance
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Supplemental Pay:

• Bonus pay

Education:

• Master's (Preferred)

Work Location: One location