Scientist - Quantitative Physiologist

About CycloKinetics

CycloKinetics is advancing the next generation of high-performance propellants for aerospace and defense. Our highly innovative technology allows us to harness existing energy from biomass and convert it to superior performance fuels and propellants across aviation, aerospace, and defense applications.

We are a team of engineers, scientists, and operators driven by performance, innovation, and national security impact focused on building scalable, domestic energy solutions that power the future of propulsion. CycloKinetics is based in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Job Summary:

CycloKinetics is looking for an experienced Scientist - Quantitative Physiologist to lead research efforts in the physiological characterization of target strains to guide optimization of performance in large scale fermentation. This person will be hands-on in the generation of extensive metabolic data sets from bioreactors while applying cutting-edge modeling approaches for data analysis.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities: 

• Perform an “in depth” physiological characterization of target strains by using highly instrumented lab-scale bioreactors, including batch, fed-batch, and continuous modes.
• Work with analytical chemistry team to measure metabolic products using HPLC, GC-MS, or other analytical approaches.
• Model yeast fermentation kinetics, nutrient uptake, and growth rates using data from bioreactors.
• Optimize feeding strategies based on metabolic demand, carbon flux, and oxygen transfer limitations.
• Collaborate with metabolic engineering team to identify targets for strain development.
• Inform high-throughput screening development in collaboration with metabolic engineering team.
• Work independently and assist in management of the research activities within the group.
• Design and implement experimental strategies.
• Participate actively in project meetings and communicate research results verbally and in writing.
• Maintain accurate and complete laboratory records, including notebooks, test results, and data, in accordance with company guidelines on documentation, storage, and control.
• Stay current with technological advancements and apply new methods to enhance process efficiency.
• Must be able to function within a team environment.
• Responsible for supporting daily R&D processes involving the handling, preparation, and management of various chemical substances using the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Safely handle, measure, mix, and transport chemical substances in accordance with established procedures using appropriate PPE.
• Operate and maintain equipment used in chemical processing and testing.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

• A Ph.D. in biotechnology, microbiology, chemical engineering or a closely related field with at least three years of experience in an industrial setting performing experiments with yeast strains at various scales in batch and continuous modes.
  • A Master’s degree in biotechnology, microbiology, chemical engineering or a closely related field will be considered with at least eight years’ experience in an industrial setting performing experiment with yeast strains at various scales in batch and continuous modes.

Requirements: 

• Extensive hands-on experience with aerobic lab-scale bioreactors (fed-batch and/or continuous).
• Strong understanding of yeast physiology and central carbon/respiratory metabolism.
• Demonstrated experience analyzing fermentation data to extract growth kinetics, substrate uptake rates, and metabolic behavior.
• Proficiency in data analysis and quantitative modeling.
• Experience with metabolic flux analysis, flux balance analysis, or related approaches.
• Familiarity with analytical techniques (e.g., HPLC, GC-MS, LC-MS) for metabolite quantification/profiling.
• Experience interpreting omics datasets (transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics) to understand cellular physiology.
• Ability to interpret off-gas analysis (OUR, CER, RQ) and connect gas exchange data to metabolic and respiratory state.
• Demonstrated success in troubleshooting fermentation experiments, with a focus on identifying biological and metabolic root causes.
• Ability to design hypothesis-driven experiments and translate results into insights for strain improvement.
• Strong communication skills and ability to independently plan and execute research activities. 

Physical Demands: 

Frequent lifting and moving of items up to fifty (50) pounds, bending, reaching above shoulder level, climbing stairs, pulling, prolonged standing or sitting may be required. Must have safe work habits and perform all duties in accordance with company safety policies. Personal protective equipment is provided by the company, and its use is mandatory.

General:

This position is based in Salt Lake City, Utah with work performed on-site. CycloKinetics is an At-Will, VEVRAA, Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, E-Verify, and Drug Free Workplace. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background verification and drug screens.

EEO Statement:

CycloKinetics is an Equal Opportunity Employer and embraces diversity in our employee population. We are excited to work with talented individuals from a wide range of backgrounds. All employment decisions at CycloKinetics are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or special disabled veteran, marital status, parental status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.

We’re looking for detail-oriented team members who pride themselves on solving problems while bringing positive energy and strong communication skills to the table. If this describes you, come join our team today and contribute to the success of our organization!