Process Development Associate

Process Development Associate, VowSydney, AustraliaAbout usVow is a food company - a very different one. We’re creating real meat products from animal cells instead of the animal itself. We’re bringing together cutting-edge innovations in science, engineering, culinary and design to make sustainable food that’s both irresistible and available to billions of people worldwide.

The roleVow is looking for a passionate associate to join our Process Development team, which is responsible for scaling up and innovating Vow’s manufacturing processes. This is an incredible opportunity to learn and apply the latest techniques in cultured meat manufacturing as they move from research to application. In this role you will be a critical thinker who thrives amongst the details as you work to produce high quality products.

The nature of the worknecessitates a balance between a high focus on detail and process, while also being innovative and willing to push beyond what is possible. You will constantly improve our manufacturing processes to ensure they remain on the cutting edge of cultured meat tech. Cross-functional collaboration is at the heart of what we do at Vow - making sustainable, abundant and irresistible food.

You will work day-to-day with a team of incredible scientists, engineers, operators, and designers who are relentlessly passionate about food and creating a better future for our planet, and helping develop these passions and ideas into incredible tasting food. There has never been a better opportunity to join Vow and help shape the future of what Process Development and manufacturing mean for our future food systems. Salary range: $85,000-$95,000AUDThe experience you will bring:Educational Background or Comparable Industry Experience:- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Bioprocess Engineering, Food Science, or a related field.

• Bioreactor/Fermenter Knowledge: In-depth knowledge and hands-on experience in operating all areas of bioreactor or fermenter operations, with a track record of optimizing reactor function or increasing efficiency of operation (either through plant improvement or process improvement)
• Project Management: Proven ability to manage multiple projects independently with some team lead support, from planning to execution, with a keen attention to detail.
• Cell Culture Experience: Familiar with biological principles and/or cell culturing to the point of feeling comfortable working with cells in a aseptic manner
• Strong time/project management experience: Understands project priorities and can easily break them down into key deliverables, reorganising work tasks to routinely deliver on these deliverables reliably.
• High degree of technical competence and scientific awarenessNot essential, but preferable:
• Knowledge of Food HACCP plans or Quality Management Systems (ISO9001, ISO13485 or similar)
• Experience with Bioprocess Engineering): A foundation in bioprocess engineering principles, with a focus on large-scale bioreactor systems.

The soft skills you will bring:

• Adaptability: Ability to adapt to new methodologies, changes in priorities, pivot of expectations across a work stream, especially in the context of scaling up manufacturing processes.
• Communication and Collaboration: Excellent communication skills both in person, in meetings and online.

Able to work in cross-functional teams.

• Solution Oriented Mindset: Identifies issues or areas requiring improvement prior to them becoming blockers, developing a solution to take to the team to then develop into a project or solution to implement.
• Independence and Proactive

Problem Solving: Demonstrate a high degree of independence in small project management, taking ownership of projects from initiation to delivery.

• A ‘hacker mentality’, or a non-traditional pathway into science is a big plus for us.

We are looking for candidates who can work autonomously and always feel empowered to find better ways to do things. You will;

• Drive the entire manufacturing process, from thawing cells, to large-scale cell culture, to maturation and final harvest
• Analyse and conduct research to develop novel techniques and processes for the culture of cells for human consumption
• Conduct experiments and tests to identify the nutritional composition and properties of new cultured meat products
• Collaborate with our multidisciplinary team of engineers, food inventors and product designers to test food products for flavour, colour, taste, texture and nutritional content
• Develop quality control procedures and safety standards for food manufacturing
• Adhere to Vow’s quality management system and actively improve Vow's standard operating procedures, including advising on food processing, packaging and storage

• Flexible hours available
• 2-3 years of relevant work experience required for this role
• Working rights required for this role
• Expected start date for role: 06 April 2024
• Expected salary: $85,000 - $95,000 per year