Director/Senior Director - Metabolic Engineering (2020-1JF)

At Synthetic Genomics, Inc., we are dedicated to developing and commercializing genomic-driven solutions to address global challenges. We are currently seeking a Director/Sr. Director of Metabolic Engineering to join our fast-growing, dynamic and collaborative team in La Jolla, CA.

Responsibilities:

• The Director provides technical leadership conducting innovative metabolic engineering research, establishes and advances project goals, and ensures timely completion of project objectives
• The Director of Metabolic Engineering would be responsible for developing the R&D aspects of SGI's food and nutrition business
• Utilize metabolic engineering and synthetic biology skills to generate new and improved microbial production systems through conceptualization, design and implementation of modifications to host microbe pathways to achieve improved productivity, product yield and other commercially relevant attributes
• Work effectively with process and product R&D, and regulatory teams to support timely development of safe and efficacious nutritional products and food ingredients
• Effectively conduct and manage experimental data analysis and interpretation, and make appropriate recommendations based on the results
• Provides written and oral reports on progress as necessary and assist in the development of an intellectual property strategy, including the development and submission of patent applications
• Provide written and oral reports on progress as necessary and assist in the protection of intellectual property through the development and submission of patent applications
• Supervise and guide the professional development of direct reports
• Ensure that all company policies and safety practices are followed

Qualifications:

• Requires a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Chemical or Biochemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Food Science, Microbiology, Plant Biology or similar field and at least 10 years relevant industry experience. Equivalent education and experience may be considered
• Requires extensive knowledge and direct experience with metabolic and pathway engineering of microbial host strains, and demonstrated track record of developing meaningfully improved microorganisms for production of biochemicals, enzymes, or food ingredients
• Direct experience with heterotrophic or photosynthetic microbes, including microalgae, is highly desired as well as experience with modification of central metabolism and lipid biosynthetic pathways
• Must possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively lead an interdisciplinary team of scientists

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