Senior Scientist - Fermentation Specialist

Engineer a new paradigm in food production 

The Good Food Institute (GFI) is at the forefront of the movement to use food technology and markets to solve some of the world’s biggest problems, from climate change and global hunger to antibiotic resistance and the exploitation of animals. 

How You Will Make a Difference
In this role, you will have the opportunity to analyze the technical landscape for proteins and ingredients derived from microbial fermentation, identify key challenges, and articulate solutions to accelerate the industry. Your analyses will help create a roadmap for improving the quality of alternative protein products and growing their market share. You will ensure that efforts and funding are allocated toward the highest-impact research areas to accelerate the adoption of fermentation-derived proteins and transform agriculture toward more sustainable systems. Working with key academic, nonprofit, and industry stakeholders, you will help fermentation-derived alternative protein products dominate the marketplace as quickly as possible. The Senior Scientist — Fermentation Specialist will be responsible for:

• Leading and writing technical analyses of the role of microbial fermentation in alternative protein applications that culminate in white papers, conference presentations, and peer-reviewed articles.
• Forecasting future bottlenecks and obstacles that may inhibit the long-term growth of the alternative protein industry and proposing solutions to proactively alleviate these bottlenecks.
• Identifying the key areas requiring the most focused research and finding qualified researchers to perform that work.
• Launching and overseeing research projects through contracted partners and collaborators.
• Supporting the SciTech research funding team by engaging high-priority funders and government agencies to direct capital toward the highest-impact areas of alternative protein R&D.
• Informing strategic decisions through insights derived from deep industry analysis and examining parallel models for accelerating emerging industries.
• Building GFI’s capacity to serve as a knowledge hub for the industry and as a connector and force multiplier.
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Who We’re Looking For
The Senior Scientist — Fermentation Specialist must have:

• A Ph.D. in a relevant scientific field and at least two years of industry experience.
• Exceptional writing skills for technical and general audiences.
• Adept public speaking skills.
• Experience translating scientific information into formats for non-scientific professionals.
• A functional understanding of the principles, methods, equipment, and techniques used in fermentation for alternative protein applications, with preferred familiarity with scale-up and commercial translation.
• Comfort working remotely and in a rapidly growing and evolving organization.
• Preferred: working exposure or formal training in techno-economic analyses, life cycle assessments, supply chain management, and science policy.
• Strong enthusiasm for GFI’s philosophy and mission; demonstrated interest in public health, environmental sustainability, animal protection, or food security.

We want the best people and we don’t want biases holding us back. We strongly encourage people of every color, orientation, age, gender, origin, and ability to apply. Because we value a diverse workplace, we prioritize an inclusive climate absent of discrimination and harassment during the application process and after you join the team.

The Fine Print

• Terms of employment: Full-time, exempt
• Reports to: Liz Specht, Director of Science and Technology
• Location: Remote; United States (must be based in the U.S.)
• Travel: Flexible, but anticipated travel of 1 to 2 weeks per quarter for conferences, workshops, and organizational retreats. During the pandemic, all business is being conducted virtually.
• Benefits: Working from home, full medical coverage, optional dental and vision packages, a 401(k) plan with employer match, flexible holiday and vacation plans, opportunity for advancement, respectful managers, and supportive colleagues.
• This is a U.S.-based position: In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
• Salary: $62,000-$72,000

Please contact Liz at LizS@gfi.org if you have any questions about this position.

Applications accepted on a rolling basis