Scientist / Associate Principal Scientist - Biotransformation

Tate and Lyle • Atlanta, GA

5d • $84,000 - $119,000

About The Position

The Scientist / Associate Principal Scientist - Biotransformation contributes advanced technical expertise to support R&D projects, focusing on utilizing comprehensive knowledge to drive scientific innovation and problem-solving within the team. This role supports new product development and process improvement initiatives to ensure high standards of research quality and compliance.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience; may be working towards a professional qualification.
• Comprehensive knowledge of Product / Process Research & Development procedures, with full knowledge of methodologies, processes, practices, and atypical issues within product and process development in the food and beverage industry.
• Largely able to operate independently, though may seek guidance on atypical or complex product- or process-related issues. Able to coach juniors on technical and operational matters in a specialism.
• Accountable for own targets and reviewing work of juniors.
• Frequently conducts detailed analysis and investigation to identify innovative solutions for Product / Process R&D problems or needs, determine best options or suggest improvements to existing methods.
• This role involves initiating communication with cross-functional teams to address and resolve shared issues, collaborate on processes, and interpret or clarify technical information to enhance understanding.

Nice To Haves

• Ph.D. in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, Biochemical Engineering, Molecular Biology, or a related discipline preferred, with significant experience in the food and beverage, biotechnology, or pharmaceutical industry.
• Recent Ph.D. plus 0-2 yrs of industry experience for Scientist level.
• Ph.D. plus 3-5+ yrs of industry experience (non-academic) to qualify for Associate Principal level.
• As a member of the Genetics and Fermentation team in Ingredient R&D, this role requires subject matter expertise and hands-on experience in strain discovery, microbial strain engineering, classical mutagenesis, microbial physiology, CRISPR, and other genome editing tools.
• Strong, hands-on experience in DNA/RNA isolation, PCR/qPCR, plasmid construction, vector design, cloning (restriction enzyme, Gibson Assembly, Golden Gate), transformation, conjugation, electroporation, sequencing analysis, recombinant protein expression, and gene expression analysis.
• Experience in host strain development, mutant library construction, phenotype screening, genotype-phenotype correlation, enzyme characterization, and metabolic pathway optimization.
• Good understanding of and hands-on experience in microbial fermentation, bioprocess development, and downstream processing as they relate to laboratory- and pilot-scale process development and optimization.
• Demonstrated ability to design, execute, analyze, and troubleshoot molecular biology and fermentation experiments, maintain accurate laboratory documentation, and communicate technical findings through reports, presentations, patents, and scientific publications.
• Lives T&L Values (Put the Customer First, Empower Our People, Win as One, Create a Better Future).
• Demonstrates and fosters T&L foundational elements (Safety, Integrity, Respect).

Responsibilities

• Conduct research to support new product development and process improvement projects, applying comprehensive scientific knowledge to solve challenges within the team.
• Provide technical guidance to junior team members, sharing insights and promoting best practices in R&D.
• Assist project teams in designing experiments and methodologies, ensuring adherence to scientific and regulatory standards.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams in Innovation & R&D to apply research findings to product development and process improvements, supporting team-wide priorities and targets.
• Stay informed of industry trends and emerging technologies to assess their potential impact on the team's R&D activities, making suggestions to management about new opportunities.
• Support intellectual property development within the team by contributing to patents, publications and technical presentations.
• Participate in technical discussions and project reviews with management, offering insights and recommendations to support team objectives.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision coverages
• Paid time off package, including vacation, sick time, and 16 weeks of paid parental leave
• 401K with company match
• Company paid life insurance
• Lifestyle Spending Account
• Identity Theft protection
• Employee Assistance Program
• telemedicine

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree