Research Associate

Today, major companies are incentivizing the clear cutting of rainforests, child slave labor, and polluting the air to supply the world with the most beloved ingredient on the planet, chocolate. California Cultured is here to bring the joy back to eating chocolate. We are developing the technology needed to make better chocolate for the world through cell-based methods. Our mission is to improve the world’s chocolate supply with a chocolate that is mouthwatering, sustainable, and better for you.

California Cultured is a small, fast-paced company searching for a passionate, hands-on individual for a Research Associate position on the Cell Culture Team. This candidate would support the research and development of our plant cell-cultured cacao. An ideal candidate will have a background in biochemistry or cell biology, and shows strong fundamental knowledge of plant cell culture and enjoys chocolate. This position will be responsible for management of media production and tissue culture inventory. A candidate is expected to be involved in some personnel management & training, while still responsible for developing personal experiments.

Duties include

• Regular maintenance of plant cell cultures.
• Assist in growth media preparation and development.
• Design and execute experiments to characterize quantitative attributes of cultured cells.
• Analyze data, develop conclusions, and make recommendations in support of molecular
• Biology, cell culture, and process/product development efforts.
• Develop, maintain, and follow standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Prepare and present project updates and reports at group meetings and actively review scientific literature.
• Troubleshoot technical, experimental, operational, and equipment issues as necessary.
• Participate in the design and buildout of analytical capabilities based on strategic goals of the research team.
• Other duties as assigned

About You

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in chemistry, biochemistry, bioengineering, molecular and cell biology, chemical engineering,
• Familiarity with aseptic techniques working in sterile hoods
• Robust knowledge of molecular biology techniques and processes
• Analytical and problem-solving skills as well as outstanding written and verbal communication.
• Strong independent spirit, flexibility, and adaptability to meet the dynamic needs of a startup environment.

Additional Qualifications

• 2 years of laboratory experience in academic or industry research
• Experience with plant tissue culture and plant cell suspension culture
• Experience with programing languages such as Python or MatLab for data analysis

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Ability to Relocate:

• West Sacramento, CA 95691: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person