Job Information
Valent BioSciences Downstream Processing Engineer - Valent BioSciences LLC in Libertyville, Illinois
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: Contribute to the design, development and evaluation of downstream recovery processes for microbial fermentations, including concentration/ preservation of live microbials, and recovery/ purification of metabolites from microbial fermentation broths, to support the development and manufacture of biorational products. The job requires hands-on experience with pilot scale separation equipment (filtration, centrifugation, evaporation, extraction, chromatography, crystallization, etc.) as well as working knowledge of the corresponding manufacturing equipment and processes.
Principal Responsibilities:
Execute lab scale and pilot scale experiments designed to establish processes and procedures for downstream recovery of microbial fermentations for scaleup to production level.
Make accurate observations of all experiments, keep detailed records of experiments and documentation, including electronic lab notebook.
Collect, analyze and interpret experimental data and observations. Propose and implement improvements.
Maintain laboratory and pilot plant best practices (downstream processing equipment, supplies, glassware, contamination, etc.)
Write research reports and prepare technical presentations when needed.
Conduct all work in strict compliance with all applicable safety requirements, containment requirements, standard operation protocols, and other guidelines.
Work with minimum supervision and with interdisciplinary research teams while maintaining a positive and collaborative environment.
Requirements:
Work experience in developing and scaling up processes for downstream recovery of microbial fermentations (bacteria, fungi, yeast), including isolation and purification of secondary metabolites.
Hands-on experience with pilot scale separation equipment (filtration, centrifugation, evaporation, extraction, chromatography, crystallization, etc.).
Knowledge of basic chemistry concepts such as polarity, acidity/basicity, solubility, etc., and correlation with chemical structures.
Mechanically inclined and ability to work with heavy instruments. Able to regularly lift objects up to 50 lbs.
Motivated self-starter with good organizational skills, and ability to solve problems.
Education: BS with minimum 3 years of post-academic experience, MS with minimum of 1 year of post-academic experience required.
Travel: 10-20% domestic.
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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