Research Associate I, Discovery

It's a Perfect Day to change the world! At Perfect Day, we're doing just that.
Perfect Day was founded in 2014 to create delicious, nutritious dairy products that everyone can love. We’re using fermentation (not animals) to make dairy proteins that are the foundation for foods like ice cream, cheese and yogurt – all with the distinctive taste and textures that consumers demand, but without lactose or environmental downsides. Through partnerships with respected brands, we’re working to launch a whole range of dairy products that will help shape a humane, sustainable food system for future generations. 
We’re seeking a Research Associate I to join our Discovery team. The Discovery team is charged with developing new tools and breakthrough technologies for the organization. This role will primarily support our lipid project in the short term and will be expected to help us launch new long-term projects.

YOUR CONTRIBUTION:

•  Synthesis and characterization of lipids, interpretation, and analysis of data, and documenting results.
•  Maintain a safe and compliant lab, assist with instrument upkeep and troubleshooting, contact and coordinate visits of instrument vendors for service and repairs.
• Collaborate within the Discovery team, cross-functionally with other teams in Perfect Day, along with external partners.
• Manage and prioritize multiple tasks, projects, and deadlines, assist in planning experiments in current and future projects.
Other functions:
•  Assist in process development and scale-up activities of lipids.
•  Help develop analytical methods and protocols for Discovery projects.
•  Conduct research in a food-safe laboratory.
Competencies:
• Organizes and expresses ideas and data clearly and concisely in writing and oral speech.
• Demonstrates forward-thinking and takes appropriate action to prepare for multiple contingencies.
• Takes strong initiative and can identify tasks that need to be done before being asked or before the situation requires it.
• Good analytical thinking skills and can address a problem using a logical, systematic, or iterative approach.

KNOWLEDGE AND REQUIRED SKILLS:

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, food science, biochemistry, or related field. 
•  1-3 years of research experience in organic synthesis, the characterization of reaction products, and their purification.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus, with or without corrective lenses.
• Ability to stand or sit for prolonged periods at a given time; reach, climb, kneel, bend, push and/or pull, and at times lift objects as heavy as 25 lbs.

ADDITIONAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS DESIRED, BUT NOT REQUIRED:

• Experience with lipids, fatty acids, and triglycerides.
• Knowledge of proteins, biochemistry, enzymatic catalysis, and kinetics.  
• Knowledge of micelles, emulsions, and surfactants.
• Knowledge of instrumentation such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), gas chromatography (GC), and mass spectrometry (MS).
• Knowledge of polymer synthesis and characterization.
• Knowledge of good manufacturing practices (GMPs) and food safety.

Perfect Day is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
It's a Perfect Day to change the world. The day when delicious dairy goodness is something everyone can love. The day we say goodbye to the downsides of factory farming. The day we throw a big party with luscious, animal-free milk, cheese, yogurt, and ice cream, all made with Perfect Day! We hope you join us!