Computational Modelling Scientist

Animal Alternative Technologies (AAT) is a recently founded biotechnology B2B start-up based at the University of Cambridge. We are engineering a scalable, end-to-end Cultured Meat production system, including bioprocesses, enabling technologies, software, hardware and raw materials to empower food producers worldwide to make their own cultivated meats tailored to local tastes and desired specifications. Our mission is to democratize access to sustainable food and tackle some of the world's most significant sustainability and food security challenges.

We are a rapidly growing cultured meat start-up looking for a Computational Modelling Scientist/Engineer with experience in the computational modelling of cell growth and metabolism AND bioreactors (including heat and mass transfer processes, scale-up as well as Computational Fluid Dynamics - CFD) to join our core team! You will be flexible and able to handle rapidly changing priorities on various cross-functional projects. You are an independent problem solver who enjoys working in fast-paced environments. As a senior scientist and early team member, you will play a pivotal role in shaping our technology and the company's direction.

Tasks

• Mammalian cell growth modelling
• Mammalian cell metabolic modelling (e.g. FBA)
• Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
• Bioreactor modelling (including scale-up, scale-down, heat and mass transfer processes, etc.) to inform bioreactor design and optimization
• Bioprocess modelling
• Work hand in hand with scientists at the bench, to ensure a close coupling between experimental and computational approaches and improve data-gathering methods.
• Planning, efficient execution, comprehensive analysis and presentation of data.
• Building predictive models (including Machine Learning models).
• Coordination of engineering projects.
• Working as a self-starter and problem solver, willing to jump in wherever you may be needed.

Requirements

Essential:

• Minimum Bachelor s degree in a relevant subject, such as Computer Science, Biotechnology, Biochemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or Bioengineering.
• PhD or at least 3 years of relevant work experience beyond Bachelor s/Master s
• High competency with one or more modelling software/ programming languages such as Python, MATLAB, COMSOL, ANSYS, etc.
• Bioreactor modelling (including heat and mass transfer processes, etc.) to inform bioreactor design and optimization
• Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
• Cell growth, metabolic and/or gene network modelling (ideally within bioreactors)
• Building mathematical optimization models (Multi-Objective Optimization)
• Strong technical skills in data cleaning, mining, manipulation and analysis Desirable:
• Design, implementation, and evaluation of machine learning models (ideally in biology)
• Familiarity with software development practices
• Strong understanding of different ML approaches (including deep learning)
• Metamodelling and hybrid models
• Generate insights, tools and applications from large volumes of data
• Computational Fluid Dynamics- modelling of a stirred tank (bioreactor)
• Modelling of a fluid flow through porous media
• Mammalian cell growth, metabolic and/or gene network modelling
• Bioreactor design and development (driven by modelling)
• Systems modelling
• Bioprocess modelling
• Bioinformatics
• Programming of PID controllers, arduinos, and other hardware
• Development of bioreactor control software
• Validation of models through wet-lab work, including cell culture (ideally adherent mammalian cells)
• Operation and validation of bioreactors for cells
• Scale-up of bioreactors
• PhD in a relevant subject.
• Senior applicants with over 5-10 years of experience are welcome and will have the opportunity to lead a small team..

Benefits

• Competitive salary and stock options
• Potential for excellent career progression
• Exposure to a disruptive and innovative market
• Contributing to the development of sustainable and ethical meat
• You will work in facilities at the world-renowned, historical University of Cambridge which has produced the most Nobel Laureates.
• We are backed by the Cambridge Judge Business School and the world's leading food-tech VCs.

You will help shape a diverse and inclusive culture, with competitive benefits including generous time off, and flexible hours. Our lab is in the heart of Cambridge, UK but if you don't need to be at the bench you can work from wherever you please. If you share our enthusiasm for working on a fascinating problem at the intersection of biology and machine learning that will significantly impact billions of lives and help tackle the world s most pressing environmental challenges, join us!