Mycology Research Associate

MycoWorks • Fulltime • Spartanburg, SC, USA, United States • 3m ago

We’re on a journey to Grow the Future of Materials. How? By unlocking the unique properties of mycelium, the root structure of mushrooms. Our patented technology, Fine Mycelium™, unleashes a new class of materials crafted from nature, engineered for performance, and built for a resilient future.We’re seeking passionate learners to join us in pioneering a materials revolution and creating an epic place to work. MycoWorks offers competitive equity and benefits programs to support the health, well-being, and financial empowerment of all our employees.We root our relationships with our partners and one another in our core values: Be Mycelial, Cultivate Quality, and Grow the Future, and we’re committed to building a diverse team and an inclusive environment where all employees belong. Women, gender expansive individuals, people of color, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and LGBTQ+ candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Job Summary

MycoWorks is seeking a Mycology Associate Scientist to work within the Process Development Mycology group onsite at MWSC to act as a biological expert in the growth and research of fungal biomaterial. The Mycology Associate Scientist will work to optimize the growth and scalability of the Reishi product and will help run experiments to test new growth control and research techniques. This role will be responsible for researching a variety of topics including fungal growth, characteristics, and metabolism focusing on white rot fungi. The ideal candidate will have previous microbiology and mycology experience. The ability to observe, document, and communicate is highly desired. Familiarity with mycology and fungal fermentation or a related field is also desirable. The candidate will have the opportunity to collaborate and learn from people with a variety of expertise within the team as well as cross-functionally.

Responsibilities:

Conduct fungal research with a focus on understanding and enhancing fungal growth and development.
Utilize microbiological techniques, including: aseptic technique, DNA extraction and analysis, preparation of growth media, maintenance of cell cultures, and growth of fungi and stock generation and maintenance.
Support the design of experiments and perform data collection and analysis to support research objectives.
Conduct carefully controlled experiments to evaluate macroscopic and microscopic fungal physiology, phenotypes, and fungal biomass.
Author and maintain meticulous records of experimental protocols and methods.
Track, organize and analyze experimental data.
Contribute to the maintenance of the research laboratory.
Assist in transferring technology from lab to production scale.
Maintain safe practices and a secure working environment.
Demonstrate proficiency with Google Workspace products and Microsoft Excel.
Familiarity with R programming is a plus.

Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in microbiology, biology or related field.
2-3 years of experience in microbiology setting, industrial mycology preferred.
Experience in microbiology, biotechnology, and industrial fungal material growth is required.
Knowledge of aseptic techniques; experience working in a laminar flow hood and/or Biosafety Cabinet required.
Ability to perform complex procedures reproducibly.
Ability to work independently after training in research procedures.
Ability to analyze experiments and think critically about results.
Ability to work collaboratively.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
Experience with molecular biology techniques is a plus.

Physical Demand	Frequency
Stand or Sit (stationary position)	Seldom to Occasionally
Walk (move/traverse)	Occasionally to Frequently
Dexterity (use hands/fingers to handle/feel)	Frequently to Constantly
Climb (stairs/ladders) or Balance	Seldom to Occasionally
Stoop, Kneel, Crouch, Crawl	Seldom to Occasionally
Talk/Hear (communicate/convey/discern)	Frequently to Constantly
See (observe/identify/inspect/perceive/assess)	Frequently to Constantly
Lift, Carry, Push, Pull (move/transport/install/remove)	Up to 50 lbs, Occasionally to Frequently
Exposure to Work Environments	Working near loud machinery, Occasionally to Frequently

MycoWorks offers world class benefits and compensation programs to support the health, well-being and financial empowerment of our employees. Our benefits include:

Medical, Vision and Dental plans at no cost to employees
Equity
Optional insurance coverage for partners and dependents
FSA Accounts
Free Personal Health Advocate
Generous PTO policy
Paid parental leave
Paid holidays beyond the traditional
401(k) program

MycoWorks may contact you via text message regarding your application for this or similar opportunities. You can always text STOP to opt out.

This employment is contingent upon receiving applicable background check results, including drug screening, that meet standards based upon the job duties and business necessity, as well as passing a degree or license verification required for the position.

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In our commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment, we recognize the importance of accommodating individual needs. If you require any specific accommodations during the application or interview process, please feel free to let us know. We are dedicated to facilitating a comfortable and accessible experience for all candidates, and will work with you to ensure your needs are met.