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Breakthrough Energy Ventures Portfolio Company Career Opportunities

Scientist I - III, Anaerobic Microbiology

ArkeaBio

ArkeaBio

Charlestown, Boston, MA, USA
Posted on May 11, 2024

Overview

ArkeaBio is a pioneer in developing technology to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the agricultural sector. Backed by Breakthrough Energy Ventures, ArkeaBio is using innovative vaccine technologies to create solutions to reduce the on-farm methane emissions responsible for 6% of global GHG emissions. ArkeaBio technology will be integrated into proven delivery systems and farming practices to safely reduce global methane emissions from multiple ruminant species across a variety of geographies and agronomic systems.

Job Summary

We are looking for candidates who are driven to help shape the company and are excited to support our mission.

Description

Reporting to the Head of Screening + Selection, the Scientist (I - III), Anaerobic Microbiology is responsible for supporting ArkeaBio's vaccine development pipeline with a strong focus on culturing anaerobic microorganisms and developing in vitro screening assays for assessing the effects of antibody binding on those anaerobic microorganisms.

Key Responsibilities

The Scientist (I - III), Anaerobic Microbiology requires a passionate, learning focused individual that can synthesize literature, data, and results into hypothesis-driven research directions and then execute on deliverables in support of those research directions. They are someone who can work collaboratively within a team as well as develop and deliver on research plans in support of ArkeaBio's vaccine development pipeline. A successful Scientist (I - III), Anaerobic Microbiology will perform the following:

  • Culture anaerobic microorganisms from the rumen in monoculture and/or co-culture
  • Develop in vitro assays for characterizing interactions with anaerobic microorganisms from the rumen, preferably the assays are plate-based assays amenable to automation
  • Collaborate with the technical organization to generate hypotheses, develop innovative characterization strategies, and execute on those strategies to answer key vaccine development questions
  • Aid in all aspects of the vaccine development pipeline as needed including
    • supplying cells to other members of the technical team in support of team-wide research efforts
    • contributing to high-throughput screening efforts to identify high value targets
    • participate in additional characterization efforts, e.g., binding characteristics, of identified high value antigen targets
  • Develop a deep understanding of rumen anaerobe microbiology + biochemistry
  • Maintain detailed and organized written records in accordance with regulatory needs
  • Communicate experimental progress as verbal presentations and written status updates to relevant stakeholders
  • Prepare and present scientific findings to the organization in support of vaccine candidate advancement into clinical development

Qualifications / Skills

  • A PhD in the biological sciences, or equivalent work experience as a Scientist
  • or equivalent work experience
  • Strict anaerobic culturing experience is a requirement, with a strong preference for demonstration of reproducible growth assays
  • Methanogen culturing experience is a plus
  • Experience with protein binding assays and ELISAs is a plus
  • Background understanding of antibodies is a plus
  • A driven individual who has a demonstrated track record of proactively identifying problems and driving to timely, innovative solutions to overcome challenging biological problems
  • Strong scientific focus with extensive knowledge of the scientific literature in the field
  • Ability to effectively manage and deliver on research projects
  • Excellent communication skills, problem-solving, critical thinking, and organizational skills; ability to communicate findings and knowledge across the organization
  • Exceptional analytical, documentation, customer service, problem-solving, and reporting skills
  • Self-starter with a proven commitment to excellence
  • Comfortable working on fast-paced, combined local and remote teams
  • Proficiency with at least one programming language, e.g., python, R, etc. is a plus
  • Curiosity with a passion for learning
  • Exhibit flexibility and willingness to work closely with members of the technical team

ArkeaBio is deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all of its practices, especially when it comes to growing our team. Our culture promotes inclusion and embraces the personal and organizational benefits of working with people from all walks of life.

It is the policy of ArkeaBio to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and employment applicants.

ArkeaBio offers 100% paid health, vision, dental and life insurance, up to a 4% matching contribution to a 401(K) retirement account and flexible time off.

ArkeaBio has a 13,000 square foot lab in Charlestown, MA, and offers a flexible work environment.