Sr. Research Associate, Process Development

About us

At the forefront of farming and food, Upside Foods (formerly Memphis Meats) is innovating new ways to produce real meat, without the need to breed, feed and slaughter animals. Our process begins with an animal cell, which is cultivated and harvested as meat. Upside Foods is a mission-driven company focused on bringing to meat lovers an authentic product that is truly humane, sustainably produced, nutritious and delicious! We are now expanding our team of dedicated professionals across disciplines to make better meat for a better world.

About this job

The Research Associate II (Process Development) will support the development, validation, and operation of scaled-down bioreactor platforms for the cultivation of cell-based meat. Under the direction of the Process Development team, you will be responsible for executing cell and tissue culture experiments, and characterizing processes and equipment.  This laboratory-based position requires wet-bench work on a daily basis supporting several concurrent projects, with rigorous attention to detail. You will also be responsible for analysis and interpretation of the data, presentation of findings to the Process Development team, and suggestion of follow-up experiments. To accelerate the pace of our learning, this role is expected to routinely shift time from a daytime weekday schedule in order to perform work on weekday evenings, and weekends.

We are excited to bring on a diligent self-starter who thrives doing hands-on laboratory work to be part of our growing team.

Duties include

• Performing lab scale (0.2 L - 3 L) bioreactor operations and cell culture experiments, including testing and iteration of novel platforms and procedures
• Multi-tasking multiple operations within the same day across different platforms and projects
• Performing sterile cell and tissue culture techniques, including media preparation.
• Managing schedule and priorities on a daily basis, while working to a timeline.
• Managing installation, maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting  of process development and automation equipment
• Acquiring and analyzing data independently; recording all experimental designs, data, observations, and results in an electronic laboratory notebook
• Summarizing and presenting results to their supervisor and the larger team in an organized, concise, and logical manner, both verbally and visually.
• Drafting reports and SOPs for review by supervisor.
• Communicating with other teams within the company or with outside vendors.
• Maintain process specific inventory of parts and consumables.
• Adhering to and enforcing good lab practices, including safety, cleanliness, and waste handling; takes immediate action to correct any potential safety issues.
• Routinely shifting time from a daytime weekday schedule in order to perform work on weekday evenings and weekends.

About you

• BS or MA in chemical engineering, biochemical engineering or related life sciences field. 
• 5+ years combined academic and industrial experience in cell culture 
• Hands-on participation in the development or operation of novel procedures and platforms strongly preferred, such as:
  • Perfusion culture e.g. microfluidics or perfusion reactors
  • Benchtop bioprocess culture, esp. at < 250 mL reactor scale
  • 3D cell culture
• Understanding and mastery of aseptic technique
• Working knowledge of basic safety, good laboratory practices
• Detail-oriented and well-organized.
• Excellent fast learner and critical thinker
• Creative and innovative, with a drive for robustness and efficiency
• Ability to problem-solve without regard to disciplinary boundaries, e.g. interest in mechanical engineering or programming are a plus
• Ability to relate with people at all levels within an organization, including diverse cultures.
• Must be comfortable working independently and on a team.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced and evolving environment.
• Comfortable presenting in front of large groups consisting of peers and/or management.
• Thrives in an environment of trust, continuous improvement, and learning.
• Must be willing and able to work evenings and weekends on a rotating basis.

UPSIDE Foods 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. Our company-wide mission is to create a product for everyone, so we are deeply committed to having teams and leaders that reflect this mission.