Assistant or Associate Research Scientist – Formulations

Marrone Bio Innovations (MBI) is dedicated to advancing the pest management industry with effective and environmentally responsible natural pest management and plant health products. MBI's products promote plant health and control weeds, plant diseases and pests in agriculture, turf and ornamental, and water applications.

Used around the globe, MBI's high-performance, competitively-priced solutions help customers improve productivity and profitability, operate more sustainably, and reduce risk in their operations.

Position Overview:

Marrone Bio Innovations is currently seeking to hire a Assistant or Associate Research Scientist - Formulations.

Responsibilities:

• Produces active, compatible, cost effective, and storage stable formulated products, using inerts compatible for the crop protection and water quality markets.
• Assists in the design and development of formulation processes at lab scale.
• Conducts stability studies and product testing procedures. Key evaluations include in house efficacy, microbial, physico-chemical testing (pH/conductivity, density, viscosity, dispersion, particle size, emulsion/suspension, etc.), compatibility testing (container, tank mix, etc.), as well as ASTM and CIPAC methods.
• Helps to investigate, develop, optimize, and implement new formulation technologies.
• Produces new formulated materials for regulatory submission and supports activity, stability, physico-chemical properties, microbial, and tox testing.
• Participates in technical transfer of formulation processes to contract and in house manufacturing facilities, as well as collaborators, including site visits.
• Troubleshoots current formulations with QC and manufacturing, and generates improved second generation formulations.
• Supports technical field development and sales team efforts by providing formulated samples and materials.
• Works with the various microbiology, bioassay, and chemistry groups by supplying test formulations, and aids in troubleshooting data, if needed.
• Presents formulation updates to team members at regular project meetings.
• Responsible for purchasing formulation raw materials and new formulation equipment.
• Responsible for maintaining formulation equipment.
• Maintains the chemical inventory database for R&D.
• Prepares and maintains laboratory notebooks, technical reports, summaries, protocols, and methods for the development of company's biopesticide products, according to Company's policies. Adheres to the Company's IP guidelines.
• Maintains a clean, organized, and safe working environment.
• Other duties as assigned. 

The above is a list of essential duties and responsibilities for this position. This list is not all-inclusive. This job description may be modified as needed.

Qualifications:

• M.S. degree in Formulations, Chemistry, Colloid and Surface Science, Chemical Engineering, Food Chemistry, or related field with a minimum of 2 years of relevant industrial work experience or a B.S. degree with additional years of experience.
• Ability to carry out of the following procedures is required: Particle size, viscosity, gravimetric, and chemical analyses, microscopy, sieving, blending/mixing, high shear mixing, wet/dry milling, extrusion, lyophilization, spray drying and drum drying, spray coating. Skills in rheometry and calorimetry are highly desired.
• Experience in the production of a variety of successful solid and liquid formulations.
• Experience in the development of bench scale and manufacturing scale agricultural formulations is highly desired.
• Knowledge and application of DOE (Design-Expert, Minitab, JMP, or other relevant software) is highly desired.
• Desirable experience with colloids, microbially derived-products, plant-derived products, biopesticides, and dehydration technologies.
• Proficiency in writing technical reports and presentations.
• Energetic and self-motivated individual able to work in a fast-paced team environment.
• Self-directed and creative, and must able to work effectively in a flexible and agile multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary team environment.
• Strong communication and presentation skills; able to work effectively as part of a team.
• Excellent analytical, organizational and multi-tasking skills.
• A leader in the development of safety related tools, and maintenance of a safe and sustainable work environment.

Essential Physical & Mental Functions

• Mechanical aptitude with ability to lift 50 lbs.
• Be able to work on repetitive tasks in a multi-functional lab.
• Must be able to sit and/or stand for long periods of time (2-4 hours).

Compensation: The salary range is competitive. MBI offers a comprehensive benefits package including stock options, a 401(k) plan with employer match, and a health plan including medical and dental coverage, life insurance coverage, long term disability, and a flexible spending account for dependent care and/or medical expenses. In addition, this position is eligible for an annual bonus plan tied to company performance goals.

To Apply: 

Please click below: "Apply Now Online!" to submit your cover letter and CV referencing the job code "MBI 178"

~ MBI is an equal-opportunity employer. A pre-employment drug screen will be required. ~