About Us:

Valent BioSciences LLC is a worldwide leader in the research, development, manufacturing, and commercialization of biorational products for the agriculture, public health, and forestry markets. We have more than 60 years of experience bringing biorational products to market, and our products are used in sustainable operations in 95 countries around the world. Biorational products maximize plant quality, productivity, and sustainability.

As a wholly owned subsidiary of Sumitomo Chemical, Valent BioSciences LLC operates with the Sumitomo Spirit mindset, which means to benefit both self and others, recognizing that private and public interests are one and the same. It’s about contributing to society, as well as making a profit.

Description of Job:

Design and execute experiments to develop fermentation processes which enhance productivity of metabolites and/or biomass. The engineer will contribute to new lead development and project life cycle management within a variety of microorganisms including bacteria, yeast and fungi with the end goal of creating sustainable biorational solutions within the expanding field of Bio Agriculture. The candidate will collaborate with junior and senior research scientists to design, execute, and analyze fermentation experiments. The applicant will collaborate closely with manufacturing and other research groups for evaluation of new leads and continuous improvement of existing processes. The fermentation engineer will contribute significantly to digitalization efforts, lab standardization, and expansion of the lab pilot plant capabilities in the Libertyville, IL Biorational Research Center.

Principal Responsibilities:

• Design and execute experiments to define robust fermentation processes

• Perform statistical analyses on extensive datasets and mass balances for different processes.

• Author work instructions and contribute to standard operating procedures

• Execute and document detailed scientific studies and prepare presentations conveying results

• Supervise junior scientists and provide feedback on fermentation studies and experimental set-ups.

• Document results of experiments and provide feedback.

• Conduct all work in strict compliance with applicable safety requirements, containment requirements, standard operating practices, and/or guidelines.

  Experience:

• Expertise in submerged culture fermentations of microorganisms, including filamentous fungi, to increase metabolite productivity using aseptic techniques.

• Thorough understanding of fermentation control methodology and terminology.

• Experience operating fermentation vessels from 250mL to 100L including SIP systems.

• Proficiency in Microsoft suite and fermentation control software. AVEVA PI literacy a plus.

• Literacy in OPC-DA and OPC-UA communication protocols.

• Understanding of statistical design and evaluation of fermentation results using JMP (or similar statistical software).

• Excellent communication, documentation, and organization skills.

• Capability to identify and define workflows without explicit assignment.

• Willingness to foster a culture of diversity and inclusion.

• Ability to lift 25 lbs. and stand for 5+ hours of workday.

  Education:

• PhD in Biosystems Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology or related discipline with 5+ years of experience

• MS in Biosystems Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology or related discipline with 10+ years of experience.

• BS in identified discipline with 15+ years of experience.

  Travel: 5%

What We Offer:

You’ll enjoy competitive compensation, consisting of base pay plus an incentive program available to all full-time employees, and a comprehensive benefits package including high-quality healthcare options, 401k matching, life and disability insurance, generous time off (with time off to volunteer) and much more! Additionally, we offer several Flexible Work Arrangements to support a healthy work-life balance.

We work together to power our sustainable future. Here's what drives us: Valent BioSciences, LLC has a strong commitment to both sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR). In fact, being a responsible corporate citizen has been ingrained in our culture since the company’s founding. Today, it remains at the forefront of everything we do.

• Valent BioSciences LLC is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation and/or identity, national origin, citizenship, immigration status, disabilities, or protected veteran status.

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