Director of Molecular Biology

Algenol Biofuels LLC is a global, development stage, industrial biotechnology company that makes biofuels and high-value industrial chemicals from abundant, renewable resources. Algenol uses hybrid blue-green algae and specially designed photobioreactors as a proprietary platform for making its products from carbon dioxide, sunlight, and saltwater.

The Company's first product is ethanol for the biofuel and ethylene markets which it produces with its patented DIRECT TO ETHANOL® process. The Company's product pipeline includes other selected high-value hydrocarbons. The Company has received a $25 million grant from the US Department of Energy (DOE) to build a pilot-scale, 100,000 gallon/year, integrated, DIRECT TO ETHANOL® biorefinery.

Phase I of the project will be completed September 30, 2010 and the biorefinery is expected to be operational in 2012. Algenol is committed to continuous improvement of its platform technology and improving operating margins for its DIRECT TO ETHANOL® biorefineries. In order to accelerate the achievement of this goal, Algenol has entered into several collaborative agreements with large corporations and universities such as The Dow Chemical Company, The Linde Group, Valero Energy Corporation, and The Georgia Institute of Technology.

Position Overview:

Algenol is seeking a Director of Molecular Biology for its research facility in Ft. Myers, FL. The successful candidate will lead a molecular biology laboratory directed at developing transformation strategies for cyanobacteria, creating plasmid constructs, and expanding the Company's repertoire of molecular tools for producing hydrocarbons from cyanobacteria.

This is a management position, will report to the Senior Director of Biological Sciences, and will work closely with the Company's scientists at its research facility in Germany.

Responsibilities:

• Direct and manage molecular biology research at Algenol's Florida Research Facility
• Develop and implement scientific strategies to improve Algenol's algal technology for producing hydrocarbons directly from cyanobacteria 
• Demonstrate ability to define and apply innovative approaches and methodologies to successful project completion
• Participate in relevant scientific conferences to develop and maintain professional networks
• Oversee and direct the activities of the scientists and research associates working in molecular biology
• Consistently make high quality decisions on issues that may require considerable technical risk assessment skills
• Demonstrate ability to prioritize objectives and allocate resources effectively
• Assist in identifying strategic business and research opportunities

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. or Doctorate in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or comparable discipline, preferably with experience in cyanobacterial/algal molecular genetics, biochemistry, photobiology; post-doctoral experience in a related discipline with active research involvement and publications preferred.
• At least 5 years experience leading scientists in an academic or industrial setting
• Self-motivated and able to work independently in a fast-paced research environment.
• Fluent in English, able to orally present results and scientific strategies effectively and experienced in writing scientific reports.
• Highly experienced with general lab practices, scientific equipment, experimental design, project planning and management, and statistical data analysis.
• Well-developed ability to supervise and manage others.
• Eligible to work in the United States.

Compensation:  An ideal candidate would be offered a competitive salary commensurate with experience. This would be complimented by a discretionary performance-based bonus and stock award program and comprehensive benefits package.

To Apply:

Applicants shall email PDF file of their cover letter, curriculum vitae, and contact info of 3 references via email.  Review of applications will begin immediately, until the positions are filled.

Algenol Biofuels is an equal opportunity employer.