Career Center

Scientist Culture Development
Madison, WI 53716

A successful candidate in this role will conduct fundamental scientific research on microorganisms, providing the basis for applied research and product development. Our team was instrumental in discovering the native role of CRISPR as a bacterial immune system, and we continue to employ the latest in molecular and genomic approaches to study bacterial physiology, genetics, and phage-host interactions for the development of microbial dairy starter cultures and solutions to address global food industry needs. This position will work most closely within the local and global Culture Development R&D teams and cross-functionally with technical teams involved in customer applications, business, regulatory, fermentation scaleup, and manufacturing to commercialize innovations and discoveries developed in the lab.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Experimental research:

• Independently design and conduct experimental work as defined by project objectives
• Strain development using classical and modern microbiological methods
• Evaluate strain functionality in application conditions (fermented dairy matrix) including measurement of acidification, flavor, and texture
• Microbiological and genomic characterization of bacteria including linking changes in genotype to changes in phenotype

Ensure continuing project activity by coordinating the resources, supplies, equipment, and priority for each project. Lead specific project work packages and/or serve as the technical leader for projects, working closely with the project manager and cross-functional team
Ensure accurate execution and implementation of experiments, analyze results, and report work results

• Document ideas, observations, and results in electronic lab notebook
• Write technical reports on experimental observations and results
• Write invention disclosures and prepare patent applications, as appropriate, to protect innovative processes
• Communicate results to Manager and project/program stakeholders on a regular basis

Keep up to date on new trends, innovations, technical developments, and skills by monitoring the scientific and trade literature, competitors activities, IP landscape, new methods, and processes for food ingredients in associated areas though external collaborations, continuing education, and/or technical seminars
Represent R&D as a scientific expert and resource for internal and external customers, conducting training presentations, and answering technical questions. Represent R&D at external conferences and via submission of manuscripts to scientific journals, as appropriate.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Ph.D. degree in Microbiology, Biology, Genomics, Biochemistry, Food Science or related field, and a minimum of 3 years of experience is required. Preference is for 3-5 years of related experience.
Research experience with lactic acid bacteria, dairy science, food fermentation, bacteriophage, biotechnology, or related field, possibly in an industrial environment.
Knowledge and experience in molecular biology (including strain engineering, genomics, transcriptomics) and microbial physiology and metabolism. Experience with high-throughput assay development or laboratory automation a plus.
Demonstrated ability to independently design, manage, and perform multi-task projects to a successful result.
Strong communication (verbal and written), organizational and interpersonal skills for presentation of scientific concepts and results to internal and external customers.
Experience with project management including planning, tracking, and reporting, is essential.
Experience working with cross-functional and global team is a plus.
Experience in bioinformatics and use of modern digital tools is a plus.

Working Conditions
This position operates in a laboratory and office environment. There may be some exposure to hazardous materials (training is required). Must wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as appropriate in accordance with safety policy.