Associate Scientist - Formulation

Provivi • Santa Monica, CA

5d • $70,000 - $80,000

About The Position

Provivi™ is a California-based, globally operating AgTech company using pheromones to protect crops from major damaging insects. Our patented production method enables a step change in the cost of manufacturing pheromones, allowing us to pioneer the use of this proven tool in high-acreage crops such as corn, rice and soy. Founded in 2013 by Nobel laureate Frances Arnold and Caltech scholars Pedro Coelho and Peter Meinhold, we are hiring the very best and brightest people to develop and commercialize our products. The Associate Scientist - Formulation will develop eco-friendly agricultural products. The successful candidate will be responsible for the creation, development and launch of pheromone-based formulations that will deliver value and meet the needs of customers.

Requirements

• Master or PhD in polymer (science) engineering, physical chemistry, agricultural engineering, or other chemical and material science and engineering related degrees.
• 1-3 years of hands-on laboratory experience with polymer processing technology such as extrusion, injection molding, and blending.
• Experience with processing and analysis of biodegradable polymers.
• Ability to write clear scientific reports and effectively communicate results and recommendations to team members and collaborators.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, across functions, and external partners.
• Ability to resolve key project hurdles.
• Ability to prioritize responsibilities and multi-task.
• Capable of working independently, and as a team.
• Able to lift 15 – 40 pounds.

Nice To Haves

• Proficiency in conventional thermal analysis, chromatography techniques, and polymer analytical instruments including TGA, DSC, FTIR, GC, MS, GPC, particle sizer, and rheology, would be a plus.
• Experience in a start-up environment with tight deadlines is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Conduct formulation development by designing experimental plans based on the defined deliverables, processing, and carrying performance analyses.
• Produce formulation samples in sufficient quantity and high quality for lab and field tests.
• Prepare protocols, reports, and test methods and writes SOPs.
• Clearly and accurately communicates the results of work by creating documentation.
• Records results in notebook accurately, clearly, and regularly.
• Provide technical data to support regulatory submission.
• Actively demonstrate positive safety behaviors and practices.
• Collaborate with other members of formulation team, leadership team, and other functions including Field Development, Marketing, Supply Chain, and Regulatory to achieve company milestones.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level