Engineer I, Downstream Processing
About The Position
DMC is a biotechnology company based in Boulder, CO, and RTP, NC. Our Dynamic Metabolic Control™ technology platform delivers robust and predictably scalable biocatalysts resulting in cost-competitive and sustainable processes for everyday chemicals. We are a multi-product bio-based chemical company, working ingeniously to reduce the cost of biochemicals for markets in animal feed, human nutrition, pharmaceutical materials, and chemical intermediates. We are looking for an Engineer I to join our Downstream Processing team in Boulder, Colorado. This hands-on, laboratory-based role will support the development and scale-up of processes used to recover and purify products from fermentation. Engineer I will work under the guidance of experienced engineers and scientists while collaborating across the broader technical team. Responsibilities will include planning and executing experiments, operating bench-scale processing equipment, analyzing data, documenting results, and contributing to the transfer of successful processes to pilot and commercial scale. Please note that this position is supported by grant funding and is initially offered for a 12-month term, subject to the terms and duration of the grant.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering or related discipline
- Hands-on experience with unit operations such as membrane filtration, evaporation, distillation, crystallization, chromatography, reaction chemistry, and solid-liquid separation
- Ability to safely operate laboratory equipment and execute written experimental procedures
- Ability to analyze quantitative data, clearly document results, and draw data-driven conclusions
- Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple experiments or priorities
- Effective written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work collaboratively in a cross-functional team
Nice To Haves
- Relevant industry or internship experience
- Experience with HPLC, UPLC, GC, titrations, spectrophotometry, or other analytical methods
- Experience with process modeling, cost-of-goods analysis, and technoeconomic analysis
- Programming experience using Python or similar tools for automation, engineering calculations, and data analysis
- Experience developing Arduino or Raspberry Pi based systems
- Experience working with fermentation-derived products or complex biological mixtures
Responsibilities
- Support development and optimization of processes for the purification of compounds of interest from fermentation
- Plan and execute laboratory experiments involving unit operations with guidance, such as microfiltration/ultrafiltration, evaporation/distillation, preparative-scale chromatography, crystallization, and reaction chemistry
- Use analytical chemistry techniques such as HPLC/UPLC, GC, titrations, and spectrophotometry to quantify compounds of interest in complex mixtures
- Analyze experimental data, draw data-driven conclusions, and communicate results to the broader technical team
- Maintain clear and accurate experimental records, calculations, and technical summaries
- Effectively track important experimental parameters and data, with a focus on mass balances, product yield and product quality (purity).
- Support process modeling, including technoeconomic modeling of anticipated and/or established processes and performance metrics at commercial scale
- Prepare reagents and materials including media, buffers, and stock solutions
- Coordinate experimental schedules within a broader team
- Troubleshoot and improve experimental methods and downstream processes
- Maintain safe laboratory practices and contribute to a safe, clean, and organized work environment
Benefits
- Full DMC Employee Benefits
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
