Microbial Formulation scientist

Microbial formulation scientist

Aphea.Bio is a leading R&D company that is dedicated to food security and ensuring a safe and healthy food chain. We aim to provide novel science-based solutions to build the agriculture of the future: sustainable, reliable and profitable. Aphea.Bio focuses on the exploitation of natural, beneficial interactions that occur between microorganisms and plants. We discover and develop new biology-based agricultural products for crop protection and crop improvement, hence shaping a more sustainable agriculture and are embedded in the largest European Agro-Biotech valley in Gent, Belgium.

We are seeking highly motivated and innovative scientists to help us carry out the research and development of novel and superior agricultural biological products. Successful candidates will become part of a committed, creative and highly dynamic team with opportunities to take responsibility and for personal development. 

To strengthen its R&D team Aphea.Bio is looking for a microbiology formulation scientist that will be responsible for all aspects related to formulation development of newly discovered biostimulant and biocontrol products based on bacteria and fungi.

Main responsibilities:

• Define and develop formulation protocols for microbial products for seed and foliar application

• Develop and evaluate prototype formulation

• Define the optimal formulation for microorganisms in liquid and solid (e.g. powder, granules…)  products

• Drive scale-up from laboratory to pilot to production scale formulation

• Define, develop, and validate a commercially compatible formulation with an eye on cost, stability, shelf-life, efficacy, safety and integrable with current agricultural practices

• Identify and manage contract research organizations and external research collaborations in an efficient manner to meet project deadlines

• Identify and leverage advances in microbiology formulation research, new technologies as well as processes and equipment to impact programs

• Maintain detailed records of (standard operating) protocols and results

• Support and coach the technical team

• Be an active member of the R&D leadership team

Qualifications:

• Deep knowledge of and hands-on experience on the principles, practices and techniques of formulation technology for microbial and/or metabolite-based products

• Hands-on experience with working with bacteria and fungi and metabolites thereof

• Experience in various seed treatment and foliar spray applications

• Experience in liquid and solid formats of biological products

• Knowledge of upscaling from lab stage to (pre-)commercial products

• Knowledge of the agricultural industry is a plus

• Strong ability to coordinate collaborations with external parties

• Ability to think strategically and creatively with regard to development of microbial products

• Ability to read, analyze and interpret scientific journal articles, technical procedures, and government regulations

• Strong capability to communicate and present data to R&D leadership team

• Experience in coaching and supervising technical staff

Education and Experience:                            

• PhD. or MS in Microbiology, Biochemistry, Engineering (or equal through relevant experience) or related fields

• At least five years of work experience in agricultural industry responsible for biological formulation (bacteria & fungi)

Other skills:                                

• Computer skills: proficiency in Word, PowerPoint and Excel applications. Experience with data management and statistics software is a plus

• Language skills: fluent in English (written and verbal)

• Interpersonal skills: team player, creative, communicative, optimist, committed, flexible, entrepreneurial, organized, problem-solver

Motivated applicants should send their CV including a cover letter to manuele.ricci@aphea.bio and Michael.houbraken@aphea.bio before July 15, 2023.