Sapphire Energy is a venture capital backed company developing next generation biofuels based on recent advances in metabolic engineering. The company’s focus is the commercialization of high performance, low cost, and low carbon biofuels that will substitute for conventional gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel.
Job Description
We seek a chemical technician to support the development of our biomass processing technology.
Responsibilities
• Perform routine and experimental tasks related to extraction of oils and byproducts from biomass.
• Support R&D and engineering for scale up of extraction processes.
• Perform oil extractions on a daily basis. Use various extraction tools such as pumps, acid-base chemistry, solvent evaporation, centrifugation etc.
• Record data and work with the analytical chemistry group for sample and data tracking.
• Work with organic solvents, drying, distillation, filtration, liquid-liquid extractions, etc.
• Perform routine analysis such ash and moisture content, gravimetric yield, etc.
• Perform laboratory scale experiments for oil refining, degumming, bleaching, hydrolysis reactions, deodorization, vacuum distillation.
• Sample preparation for analysis and bench scale experiments
• Assisting with the harvesting of algae, flocculation and centrifugation.
• Assisting with the algae innoculation and growth in mini ponds, movement and pumping of water and media.
• Maintain laboratory space, supplies and equipment
Requirements
• Bachelor’s or associate degree in chemical processing related field.
• Experience with bench scale chemical equipment.
• Experience working with organic solvents preferred.
• Due to the highly collaborative nature of this position, interpersonal and communications skills will be extremely important.
Sapphire offers very competitive compensation packages (including bonuses and equity) and an attractive benefits package (health, dental, vision insurance, 401k, and paid time off). To apply, please send your CV and cover letter to human.resources@sapphirefuel.com and note Chemical Technician in the subject line.
- Location: San Diego
- Principals only. Recruiters, please don't contact this job poster.
- Please, no phone calls about this job!
- Please do not contact job poster about other services, products or commercial interests.