Process Development Associate

At Corbion we exist to champion preservation in all its forms preserving food and food production health and our planet.

Corbions Algae Ingredients business is based in South San Francisco and leads the industry in developing new applications and markets for algae-based products. We have a range of sustainably produced algae products that deliver breakthrough innovations for human and animal nutrition.

An opportunity is available in our Pilot Plant group located in Belmont CA to support process development and technology transfer efforts emphasizing upstream microorganism cultivation operations. As our next process development associate you will be an integral member of a multi-disciplinary team focused on the development of new products and processes utilizing Corbions unique fermentation based technology.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Hands-on role in the setup operation and cleaning of bench and pilot scale experiments and equipment with focus on upstream cultivation of microorganisms and hand-off of fermentation broth to downstream operations.
• Work on lab and pilot-scale processes emphasizing upstream cultivation operations including media preparation aseptic operations fermenter setup seed train development in flasks and fermenters main fermentation operations for product formation etc.
• Operate lab and pilot equipment and processes independently including operational support of fermentation processes over weekends.
• Conduct analytical methods required to monitor processes and materials; hands-on skills with instrumental analysis and wet chemistry.
• Provide detailed observations of experiments. Record data and assist with the analysis of results.
• Write test protocols SOPs and reports.
• Work within a team framework with both individual responsibility and support of other scientists. Works closely with the Process Development R&D Facilities and Manufacturing Groups.
• Maintains process area and equipment in good working order.
• Support site and operations activities as needed for example ordering and stocking supplies conducting maintenance and equipment service and coordinating activities with vendors.
• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Qualified applicants will possess a A.A. or B.A./B.S. in a technical field (Chemical Engineering Biochemical Engineering Chemistry Biology Biotechnology or a related field) with 2 years industrial experience with relevant unit operations or no degree of the like but at least 5 years of relevant experience.
• Flexible work schedule including weekends. Must be able to work an adjusted weekday schedule with work days from Sunday to Thursday; Friday and Saturday would be OFF-days. Ability to shift work days to accommodate operation activities.
• Experience in operating cleaning and maintaining lab and pilot-scale bioprocessing equipment (autoclave benchtop and sterilize-in-place fermenters centrifuge spectrophotometer etc..) emphasizing cultivation of microbial broth/biomass and associated products produced by fermentation preferred. Experienced with aseptic operations for cultivating microorganisms preferred.
• Prior experience in analyzing biological materials using common microbiological and wet chemistry methods (glucose total sugars dry cell weight total solids optical density of microbial cultures etc.).
• Hands-on mechanical skills with operation and maintenance of bioprocessing and utility system equipment.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. and/or use assistive measures to lift materials over 50 lbs.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Able to work both independently in a multi-disciplinary environment and as a key teammate within an interdisciplinary team.
• Capable of working in a fast paced environment without sacrificing accuracy quality of work and safety.
• Good organizational and time management skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel Word and Power Point.

The below range reflects the range of possible compensation for this role at the time of this posting. This range may be modified in the future. An employees title and position within the salary range will be based on several factors including but not limited to relevant education qualifications certifications experience skills seniority performance and business or organizational needs. The base salary range for this role is $31 to $38 per hour.

About Corbion

Corbion is the global market leader in lactic acid and its derivatives and a leading supplier of emulsifiers functional enzyme blends minerals vitamins and algae ingredients. We use our unique expertise in fermentation and other processes to deliver sustainable solutions for the preservation of food and food production health and our planet. For over 100 years we have been uncompromising in our commitment to safety quality innovation and performance. Drawing on our deep application and product knowledge we work side-by-side with customers to make our cutting-edge technologies work for them. Our solutions help differentiate products in markets such as food home & personal care animal nutrition pharmaceuticals medical devices and bioplastics. In 2024 Corbion generated annual sales of 1288.1 million and had a workforce of 2399 FTE. Corbion is listed on Euronext Amsterdam. For more information:

Corbion is an equal opportunity employer and committed to a diverse workplace. All applicants will be considered equally without regard to race color ethnicity veteran status religion national origin marital status political affiliation age sex sexual orientation handicapping condition membership in an organization or any other non-merit factors.

Corbion provides reasonable accommodation to applicants.

EOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled

Corbion does not accept unsolicited resumes from individual recruiters or third party recruiting agencies in response to job postings. No fee will be paid to third parties who submit unsolicited candidates directly to our hiring managers. All candidates must be submitted by approved Corbion vendors who have been expressly requested to make a submission by our Talent Acquisition team for a specific job opening. No placement fees will be paid to any firm unless such a request has been made by the Corbion Talent Acquisition team and such candidate was submitted to the Corbion Talent Acquisition Team.