Vacancy: Research Associate – Downstream Processing

Welcome to Those Vegan Cowboys, where microbes make the cheese

Are you fascinated by purification, proteins and the idea of making cheese without cows? Do you enjoy hands-on lab work and solving bioprocess puzzles? Saddle up, you might be the new Research Associate joining our team.

At Those Vegan Cowboys, we’re building the cheese of the future with the help of microbes. To support our mission, we’re looking for a Research Associate to join our Downstream Processing team, jumping in where the needs are greatest and helping move our protein purification pipeline forward.

Job description

What you’ll be doing:

· Design and execute purification experiments to optimize recovery of recombinant proteins from microbial fermentations across different scales (from 1 L up to 300 L – pilot scale) using a variety of downstream unit operations

· Perform analytical assays – such as SDS-PAGE, UPLC and Bradford – to characterize and quantify purified proteins

· Collect, analyze and interpret experimental data – translating the data into clear reports, protocols and SOPs

· Present your findings and discuss results with colleagues through meetings, reports and emails

· Collaborate closely with the other teams to ensure experiments run smoothly

· Keep lab equipment and documentation in good shape

· Actively contribute to a safe working environment for yourself and your colleagues

Your profile

· Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, or equivalent relevant experience

· Hands-on experience with purification techniques such as centrifugation, cell lysis, precipitation, filtration (TFF/dead-end) and/or chromatography (affinity, ion exchange, SEC)

· Familiarity with protein analysis methods (e.g. SDS-PAGE, UV-Vis, BCA/Bradford assays); analytical HPLC is a plus

· Understanding of bioprocess development, biomanufacturing or food regulation is an advantage

· Able to work independently as well as in team

· Problem-solving skills and an analytical mindset

· Flexible and comfortable switching between tasks in a dynamic environment

· A practical and proactive personality with natural curiosity

· Clear communicator with solid organizing skills; whether you’re interpreting data, documenting results, writing reports or planning the next steps.

Why join

Working as a Vegan Cowboy family member (cheesy but true), means excellent career perspectives in a rapidly growing field, your very own cowboy name (which yes, will be used) and proud ownership of a share in the company through our personnel participation program.

Are you our new Research Associate – Downstream Processing? Please drop us a note at postoffice@thosevegancowboys.com

If you have any questions about these vacancies, please contact Belinda Hunziker by mail or phone + 32 (0)9 261 77 00.

PS: A note to well-meaning agencies or intermediaries: we prefer the old fashioned personal approach. We will only proceed with direct messages from candidates themselves.