Analytical Chemistry Scientist​/Senior Scientist

Analytical Chemistry Scientist/Senior Scientist
About the company

Erg Bio is pioneering the next generation of sustainable fuels and bioproducts. Based in Berkeley, CA, our breakthrough Aspire™ Technology extracts high-quality lignocellulosic sugar polymers from more than 30 different feed stocks with unprecedented efficiency and cost. Combined with our Consolidated Bioprocessing (CBP) biocatalyst, we produce cost‑competitive sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and other high‑value molecules that can decarbonize global industries.

The Biocatalyst Research and Development team is expanding and seeks to add a full‑time, on‑site Analytical Chemistry Scientist. The successful candidate will join a team optimizing our CBP host to produce ethanol directly from our pretreated lignocellulosic biomass. (S) he will be initially tasked with setting up analytical capability at Erg Bio, developing protocols, and generating SOPs. Subsequently, responsibilities will shift to overseeing routine screening, QC and data analysis to rank and promote strains generated by the strain engineering team.

(S) he will also work closely with the strain engineering team to generate proteomics data to determine scientific strategy for strain engineering.

• Start up analytical chemistry and proteomics capability at Erg Bio. Identify, procure and set up required instruments.
• Manage, train and mentor a Research Associate to develop analytical protocols, design QC checks, run routine samples, perform instrument maintenance, analyze data and communicate findings to stakeholders.
• Design experiments to characterize our host’s secretome, identify proteins that are poorly secreted for further optimization and screen enzyme or signal peptide libraries for desired properties.
• Closely collaborate with the strain engineering team to identify and promote strains for further development. Analyze data using sound statistical methods to recommend strains to promote for further development, and to help identify physiological parameters in host strain to optimize via strain engineering.
• Document work in detailed and organized manner. Generate reports and present results regularly.

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry or related field, with at least 3 years’ experience in industry working with different cross‑functional teams.
• Experience with advanced analytical methods including but not limited to HPLC, LC‑MS.
• Strong skills in statistical analysis and data interpretation.
• Experience developing plate models to screen, rank and promote strains is highly desirable.
• Previous proteomics experience with protein‑secreting yeast is desirable.

You’ll be part of a fast‑growing team at the forefront of sustainable biomanufacturing contributing directly to the technologies redefining renewable fuels and materials.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.