Scientist/Senior Scientist, Microfluidics
About the role
Today, only 9% of plastic is recycled, and plastic demand is expected to triple by 2050, so our plastic problem is only going to get worse unless we do something about it.
Birch Biosciences is a startup company based in Portland, Oregon that engineers enzymes for plastic recycling using synthetic biology and machine learning. Engineered enzymes act as “molecular scissors” to break down plastic polymers in a high yield, circular process that enables manufacture of high quality, 100% recycled plastic products. Our bio-enzymatic recycling process is low cost, high yield, and reduces CO2 emissions by > 50%.
We’re worried about climate change, and are building a team of individuals who share our passion for solving this problem through close collaboration and a sense of urgency. We’re building a different kind of company, where employees think like owners, act with authority, and collaborate closely with one another.
We are seeking a motivated Scientist to join our growing Microfluidics team. In this role, you will play a key part in the development and optimization of our core technology at Birch which will allow us to make a significant impact on plastic recycling and climate change. You will apply your expertise in droplet microfluidics and assay development to enhance the screening throughput of our proprietary technology. If you are a self-starter who is interested in helping to build a company from the ground up, we’d love to hear from you!
Responsibilities:
Develop high-throughput reporter assays to quantify enzyme-mediated plastic depolymerization rates
Develop single cell microencapsulation strategies to enable high-throughput genotype screening
Develop microencapsulation and assay strategies for phenotypic and genotypic screening of environmental microbial microbiomes
Perform diagnostic protein expression and biochemical characterization assays
Experience with plate reader, HPLC and related analytical assays to characterize proteins of interest
Qualifications:
M.Sc. or Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Bioengineering or a related field
2+ years of laboratory experience directly related to droplet microfluidics
2+ years of droplet assay development experience
2+ years of experience building high throughput methods for screening
2+ years of biochemistry experience; must have an understanding of the complexity of biological systems
Excellent attention to detail
Excellent communication skills
Passion for solving hard technical problems
Nice-to-haves (but not required):
Experience with NGS
Understanding of analytical chemistry and hands on experience with analytical instrumentation
Understanding of bioprocessing and fermentation scale up
Passion for laboratory organization and management
Compensation and benefits at Birch Biosciences include:
Base Salary and Equity
Paid time off, plus 7 federal holidays of your choice
Health Reimbursement Accounts
401(k) retirement savings plan with 3% match
Birch Biosciences is an equal opportunity employer promoting diversity and inclusion in the workspace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity and gender expression), sex (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding), genetic information, taking or requesting statutorily protected leave, or any other basis protected by law.
Legal authorization to work in the United States is required. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
Why you should join Birch Biosciences
Today, only 9% of plastic is recycled. We want to change this.
Birch is on a mission to advance the circularity of plastic products by engineering enzymes to recycle plastic more effectively. Our bio-enzymatic recycling process will produce clean, high-quality recycled plastic that is equivalent or lower in cost than other recycled plastic. We also expand the variety of plastic products that can be recycled, empowering plastic circularity.
In addition to Y-combinator, Birch is supported by the Department of Energy and the National Science Foundation. Our partners include several of the largest plastic manufacturers and producers in the world.
Birch Biosciences
Founded:2021
Team Size:6
