Scientist II

CleanJoule; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

CleanJoule, a sustainable aviation fuel company, seeks a highly skilled Scientist II in Salt Lake City. This role requires expertise in media formulation for fed-batch bioprocesses, focusing on improving microbial performance and yield. Join a passionate team and contribute to innovative clean energy solutions.

Benefits

Health, dental, and vision coverage

401k matching

Paid time off

Parental leave

Bonus potential

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in microbial fermentation, with E. coli focus.
• Expertise in media design and optimization.
• Solid understanding of microbial stress responses.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize media formulations for E. coli fermentation.
• Lead experimental designs and lab-scale fermentations.
• Collaborate with teams for media strategies.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Communication

Education

Ph.D. or M.S. in Microbiology, Biochemical Engineering, or related field

Tools

Design of Experiments (DOE) software

Statistical design software

Job description

6 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

About CleanJoule Inc.

CleanJoule Inc. is a venture funded, sustainable aviation fuel development company based out of Salt Lake City, Utah. Our novel, one-of-a-kind technology, allows us to harness energy from biomass and convert it to superior performance aviation fuel.

About CleanJoule Inc.

CleanJoule Inc. is a venture funded, sustainable aviation fuel development company based out of Salt Lake City, Utah. Our novel, one-of-a-kind technology, allows us to harness energy from biomass and convert it to superior performance aviation fuel.

We are a passionate and creative group of engineers, scientists, and visionaries focused on clean energy solutions, with the purpose of creating a sustainable planet, reducing global carbon emissions, and ultimately combatting climate change.

We’re looking for detail-oriented team members who pride themselves on solving problems while bringing positive energy and strong communication skills to the table. If you are a Scientist and this describes you, come join our team today and contribute to the success of our organization!

Position Summary

CleanJoule is seeking a highly skilled Scientist II with deep expertise in media formulation for fed-batch bioprocesses and a strong foundation in E. coli physiology, carbon-nitrogen metabolism, and microbial stress response. This role will focus on developing and optimizing fermentation media to enhance microbial performance, improve product yield, and support scale-up efforts.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize chemically defined and complex media formulations for E. coli-based fed-batch fermentation processes.
• Investigate and fine-tune carbon and nitrogen sources, trace elements, and vitamin concentrations to maximize productivity and metabolic efficiency.
• Apply a strong understanding of E. coli physiology, nutrient uptake, and stress responses to inform media and process development.
• Lead experimental design and execute lab-scale fermentations in bioreactors and shake flasks.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams in strain engineering, process development, and analytics to align media strategies with broader project goals.
• Utilize Design of Experiments (DOE) and statistical tools to optimize media and feeding strategies.
• Monitor and interpret physiological responses (growth rates, metabolite accumulation, stress markers) to guide iterative media improvement.
• Document results in lab notebooks and databases, and communicate findings in technical reports and team meetings.
  
  

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or M.S. in Microbiology, Biochemical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field with relevant industry or academic experience.
• 3+ years of experience in microbial fermentation, with a focus on E. coli and fed-batch systems.
• Demonstrated expertise in media design and optimization, including experience with carbon/nitrogen metabolism, trace element supplementation, and vitamin requirements.
• Solid understanding of microbial stress responses (e.g., oxidative stress, acid stress, nutrient limitation) and their impact on bioprocesses.
• Hands-on experience operating and troubleshooting lab-scale bioreactors and fermentation control systems.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools and statistical design software (e.g., JMP, Design-Expert).
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with engineered E. coli production strains.
• Familiarity with metabolic modeling or flux analysis.
• Prior involvement in process scale-up or tech transfer to pilot or manufacturing scale.
• Knowledge of sustainability-driven biotech or renewable fuels industries.
  
  

General

This position is based in Salt Lake City, Utah with work performed on-site. CleanJoule is an At-Will, VEVRAA, Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, E-Verify, and Drug Free Workplace. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background verification and drug screen.

Benefits: CleanJoule offers a competitive compensation and benefits package (health, dental, vision, employee and dependent life coverage(s) and accidental death and dismemberment, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, health savings account, 401k matching, PTO, holiday pay, parental leave, and bonus potential).

EEO Statement: CleanJoule is an Equal Opportunity Employer and embraces diversity in our employee population. We are excited to work with talented individuals from a wide range of backgrounds. All employment decisions at CleanJoule are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or special disabled veteran, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.

FLSA Classification: Exempt

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Not Applicable

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Industries

  Food and Beverage Services

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