Seeking:
Materials Scientist
The planet is on fire, and we’ll need an ocean to quench it. At UMARO Foods (formerly Trophic), we’re building an entirely new food system that supports a wild and thriving planet - starting with the ocean. Instead of using land, we are looking underwater to create an entirely new protein source – protein from seaweed. Instead of growing protein in tiny bioreactors, the ocean is our bioreactor, and UMARO protein requires no land, no freshwater, and no fertilizer to grow. It’s a superfood for people and the planet.
We have already started our mission by developing an innovative application of seaweed hydrocolloids to mimic bacon fat. You will use your expertise in materials science, chemistry, or other relevant field to design and engineer the next generation of plant-based meats that look, feel, and taste just like animal meat, without the harm.
UMARO Foods was co-founded by two experts in the seaweed and plant-based protein industries. We’re funded by leading industry and impact investors who want to make a difference, and we’re moving fast. Our planet needs our products, and we need you. We need all hands on deck to make this a reality.
We’re looking for a curious, motivated, and independent scientist to lead our R&D efforts to develop novel materials/structural solutions for plant-based meat.
What You'll Do
Plan, manage, and execute projects to design and engineer innovative materials for the next generation of plant-based meats.
Prototype and analyze new formulations of edible polymers, with a focus on seaweed-based hydrocolloids as structuring elements in meat and fat mimics.
Prototype and investigate new methods of assembly including deposition, extrusion, and physical and chemical gelation.
Investigate and characterize the physical structural properties of seaweed hydrocolloids in model food systems.
Manage transition of new formulas from bench to commercial scale
Work with protein scientists to characterize and understand interactions between polysaccharides and proteins in the native structure of our seaweed raw materials, and with formulation scientists to better combine them in new food product applications.
Conduct data visualization and statistical analysis of experimental results and interpret and communicate findings to non-scientists.
Serve as a subject matter expert in materials science research and mentor and develop internal talent.
Participate and lead in-house and external partner collaborative projects.
What You'll Bring
A PhD in materials science, chemical engineering, biochemistry, food science, organic chemistry, biology, or a related field. Alternatively, a master’s degree in the above fields, with 3+ years of relevant industry experience.
Experience synthesizing and characterizing novel materials.
A demonstrated ability to conceive original ideas, clearly articulate them, and design experiments to test them under tight timelines and resources.
The ability to manage and organize multi-disciplinary projects and see them through from initial planning to execution and reporting
Effective and direct communication skills; ability to present research findings to both scientists and non-technical audiences
An ‘all hands on deck’ attitude to do whatever needs to be done alongside the rest of the team.
Bonus if You Have
Understanding of the structure-function properties of proteins, polysaccharides, and fats within complex systems such as hydrocolloids, emulsions, foams, and/or gels.
Experience evaluating the sensory properties of food products.
Experience with rapid prototyping in a design/build/test framework
Something unconventional or weird on your resume
What We Offer
A competitive benefits package, a medical insurance reimbursement program, flexible PTO, opportunity to work in an exciting startup environment, and opportunities for rapid career development.
Our Commitment
Women and underrepresented groups strongly encouraged to apply. UMARO Foods is an equal opportunity employer. We will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, religion, color, national origin, disability status, preferred identity, or any other characteristics protected by law. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to demonstrate proof of eligibility to work in the United States, proof of identity, and to complete necessary eligibility verification forms upon hire.
To Apply
Send resume/CV to job@umarofoods.com.