Level 1 Fermentation Scientist

**Company Overview**:
Would you like to be part of a leading-edge company that manufactures sustainable bio-products that positively impact human health and the environment?

At Mara Renewables Corporation (Mara), we believe there has never been a more critical need to evolve the food system using the power of science and nature to build a more sustainable and healthier world. We plan to develop and continually improve upon our unique, patent-protected technologies to become the leader in health ingredients for human nutrition and related industries - but our overarching vision is to go even further. We aspire to repower nature’s pantry to reimagine nutrition and revitalize wellness.

Mara has grown significantly in the past two years and expects continued expansion going forward. Our success is no accident. It is driven by a world-class research & development team that innovates & develops patented technologies, as well as our ability to lead scale-up capabilities and provide superior product quality. Our highly collaborative team spans Canada and the UK, with headquarters in Dartmouth, NS.

**The Position**:
**Responsibilities**:
The key responsibilities of the role include but are not limited to:

- Perform laboratory scale R&D activities to enhance fermentation processes for improved product properties, quality, and productivity.
- Maintain production strains and evaluate potential new strains.
- Conduct strain improvement activities using microbiology techniques.
- Evaluate feedstocks and critical nutrient components using lab scale experiments.
- Perform microbial cultivation and fermentation experiments in flasks and stirred tank fermentors.
- Maintain fermentation systems and processes.
- Process and analyze fermentation samples for key compounds by a variety of analytical methods.
- Record experiment data and observation, collect and analyze experimental results, organize results into appropriate formats, and present results to the team and other groups within R&D.
- Clean and maintain labware and equipment; properly handle biological waste; maintain a safe and tidy work environment.
- Expected to work occasionally in the evening and weekend due to the nature of biological experiments.

**Required Skills & Experience**:

- Post-secondary education in Biochemical Engineering, Microbiology, Applied Food Science, or a related discipline.
- Experience with microbiology and analytical laboratory protocols.
- Experience conducting scientific experiments, recording results, and data analysis.
- Must be able to think analytically and critically and take the initiative in conducting laboratory tasks.
- Hands-on approach in troubleshooting and problem-solving.
- Demonstrated experience working in a dynamic team environment, as well as ability to work independently.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Ability to prioritize and organize work time flexibly according to the requirements of the tasks.
- Intermediate experience with Microsoft Office including Excel for data processing.
- Strong technical writing skills.
- Comfortable in working with hazardous chemicals, compressed gases and steam, and heavy equipment (40 lbs +).

**Desired skills and experience**:

- Relevant professional experience, an engineering degree in a related discipline, and/or training in GLP/GMP are preferred.
- Practical experience with bioprocess & bioproduct development, and the operation of microbial cultivation and fermentation systems is highly desirable.
- Experience working with LabVIEW would be considered a strong asset.
- Experience working with DoE/statistical software would be considered a strong asset.

**What We Offer**:
Mara is proud to offer a competitive salary and benefits package, including but not limited to:

- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plan.
- Employee & Family assistance program.
- RRSP matching program.
- Health spending account.
- Physical wellness reimbursement plan.
- Employee stock option program.
- Competitive compensation package.
- Paid time-off.
- Opportunities for job related training and professional development.

**Job Types**: Full-time, Permanent

**Benefits**:

- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Employee stock purchase plan
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- RRSP match
- Vision care

Schedule:

- 8 hour shift

Supplemental pay types:

- Bonus pay

Ability to commute/relocate:

- Dartmouth, NS: reliably commute or be willing to relocate with an employer-provided relocation package (required)

Application question(s):

- Do you have a Post-secondary education in Biochemical Engineering, Microbiology, Applied Food Science, or a related discipline.

Work Location: One location