Co-Founder & Chief Technology Officer (gn) – Fermentation & Bioprocess Engineering @ Early Stage Biotech, UK

ABOUT THE VENTURE

We are on a mission to create sustainable chemicals using precision fermentation. The chemical sector is one of the largest contributors to global pollution, with most chemicals being derived from non-renewable petrochemical sources through energy-intensive processes. Plants provide us with a renewable and clean way to make the materials our world depends on including fuels, plastics, and others. However, there is not enough land available to produce the chemicals we currently obtain from fossil fuels. Using plants for biochemical production has been linked to increasing food poverty and deforestation. We believe there’s a more sustainable way forward.

Our company aims to make chemicals using only a fraction of the land and water of traditional biochemicals using our biocatalyst, a bacteria that eats hydrogen and carbon dioxide to produce chemicals without needing plants to feed it. This process is not only environmentally friendly, but also enables carbon-negative production under mild conditions. Our goal is to replace emissions-heavy chemical production processes with renewable, scalable solutions that help combat climate change.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are looking for a Co-Founder & Chief Technology Officer to join us in revolutionizing the chemical industry. As the CTO, you will work closely with our scientific founder to lead the development of groundbreaking technologies for carbon capture and conversion. You’ll play a pivotal role in shaping the company's technological vision and overseeing the development and scaling of bioprocesses. In this role you will play a pivotal role in developing cutting-edge technologies for carbon conversion. You will lead the development and optimization of our fermentation and downstream processes, with a particular focus on the extraction, purification, and concentration of biochemical products.

Key responsibilities

• Bioprocess Development:

  • Work on creating new bioprocesses using a range of gas fermentation technologies. Including genetic modification, pathway optimization, bioprocess design, scaling bioprocesses, and downstream purification of chemicals.

• Downstream Processing:

  • Develop and implement techniques such as centrifugation, filtration, and chromatography to efficiently isolate and purify chemicals produced through fermentation.

  • Ensure scalable and cost-effective downstream processing methods.

• Process Optimization:

  • Design and optimize fermentation and downstream processes to ensure efficient production of target chemicals, contributing to a sustainable and scalable bioprocessing pipeline.

• Innovation and Collaboration:

  • Work closely with the the scientific founder to innovate and develop novel, high-value chemical products. You will provide scientific insights and contribute to the overall strategic vision of the company.

• Strategic Collaboration:

  • Foster partnerships with academic institutions, industrial partners, and government agencies to drive innovation and create growth opportunities.

• Project Management: 

  • Plan, manage, and execute process optimization projects from conception through to industrial-scale implementation.

WHAT YOU NEED TO SUCCEED

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Bioprocess Engineering, or Related Field: Candidates with an M.Sc. and significant experience in downstream processing will also be considered.
• Track record of working in a biotech or fermentation-related industry, start-up experience is a plus.
• Expertise in downstream processing techniques such as centrifugation, filtration, chromatography, and chemical extraction.
• Proven experience in biotechnology, fermentation processes, and working with non-model organisms.
• Strong track record in scaling up lab processes to pilot or industrial scale.
• Proven ability to manage projects from conception through execution.
• Strong passion for climate tech and building a climate-positive company.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Equity in the Company: As a co-founder, you will receive equity, allowing you to grow alongside the company.

• Opportunity to Shape the Future: Be a part of building a climate-tech company with the potential to make a significant impact on global CO2 emissions.

• Flexible, Dynamic Environment: Work in a fast-paced, innovative start-up where your contributions will directly influence the company's success.