Job Vacancy: Scientist/Senior Technician Strain Development
Company: Vivici BV
Location: Biopartner 5, de Limes 7, 2342 DH Oegstgeest, The Netherlands
Employment Type: Full-time
About Vivici
Vivici, founded by DSM and Fonterra, is dedicated to commercializing animal-free dairy proteins obtained through precision fermentation. Our mission is to meet the world’s growing need for nutritious, highly functional, sustainable and great tasting ingredients. By making precision fermentation a trusted and economically viable reality we contribute to a resilient food system that helps feed the world.
Biotechnology R&D
Vivici is expanding its biotechnology R&D laboratory. The main scope of this laboratory is the production of lab-scale protein samples (prototypes), to be tested and analyzed by the Functionality and Application teams at Vivici. Experts of strain engineering, fermentation, downstream processing and analytics work hand in hand, well connected to a growing group of technology and business partners.
The role
We have an opening in the field of microbial strain development. As a member of our strain development team, you will play an important role in the overall design, development, execution and evaluation of microbial and genetic experiments.
You will be responsible for the genetic/synthetic biology scientific and technical excellence, preparing technical reports, data summaries, protocols and other technical and regulatory documentations. Furthermore, you will be participating in the development of an intellectual property strategy and file patent applications in collaboration with peers and the legal team.
As Vivici is deeply embedded in a network of technical partners such as CROs and CDMOs, you will contribute as a molecular biology expert to steer and/or consult in those collaborations.
Your Tasks
Design and execute strain engineering strategies using molecular biology, synthetic biology, and metabolic engineering approaches
Construct, characterize, and optimize microbial strains for improved yield, titer, productivity, robustness, or specific phenotypes
Perform cloning, genome editing (e.g. CRISPR or similar techniques), pathway optimization, and strain screening
Design and analyze experiments; interpret complex datasets to guide strain improvement decisions
Collaborate with fermentation and process development teams to translate lab-scale results to larger-scale systems
Maintain detailed experimental records and contribute to technical reports, presentations, and intellectual property filings
Troubleshoot experimental challenges and propose innovative solutions
Stay up to date with advances in strain engineering, synthetic biology, and related technologies
Mentor junior colleagues or research associates as needed
Required Qualifications
PhD or MSc in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Biotechnology or a related field
Strong hands-on experience with microbial strain engineering, preferably in yeast (ideally Pichia pastoris), or fungi
Proficiency in molecular biology techniques (cloning, PCR, sequencing, genome editing such as CRISPR-Cas9, recombination techniques)
Experience designing and analyzing biological experiments with statistical rigor
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced R&D/start-up environment
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with high-throughput strain construction and screening
Familiarity with metabolic modeling or bioinformatics tools
Prior industry or startup experience in biotech or industrial biology
Key Competences
Scientific rigor and creativity
Strong problem-solving skills
Attention to detail and data integrity
Collaborative mindset
Adaptability and curiosity
What We Offer
Competitive salary
Opportunity to work on cutting-edge biotechnology
Collaborative and innovative work environment
Professional growth and career development opportunities
What is in it for you?
At Vivici, we foster an innovative and collaborative work environment, providing exceptional opportunities for professional growth and development. Working at Vivici you will find yourself in a young, agile and fast-paced organization, with a strong focus on open innovation. As Scientist/Senior Technician strain development, you will play a pivotal role in revolutionizing the food industry. We offer competitive compensation packages and benefits, along with the chance to make a significant impact on the future of food.
If you meet the above requirements and are passionate about the science of precision fermentation and animal-free dairy, we invite you to apply for this position. Please submit your resume and cover letter to Marcus Hans, Director R&D, marcus.hans@vivici.com. We look forward to reviewing your application.
