Metabolix is an exciting young company based in Cambridge, MA, commercializing a broad family of Bioplastics based on biological conversion of renewable resources (sugars and vegetable oils) that respond to society's call for sustainable plastics and chemicals. Over the last year, we have announced an alliance with Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) and, more recently, announced plans to construct the first commercial facility with a capacity of 50,000 tons per year. The company received the 2005 Presidential Green Chemistry Award and the 2006 Environmental Stewardship Award from the Society of Plastics Engineers. Metabolix Bioplastics are a very versatile family of sustainable new materials (semicrystalline, aliphatic thermoplastic polyesters). They can be formulated to cover a broad range of physical and rheological properties and thus are appropriate for many applications currently being served by traditional plastics. Metabolix employs a highly interdisciplinary team of molecular biologists, chemical engineers, chemists and polymer scientists. Our growing company continuously seeks talented individuals in the fields of molecular biology, plant sciences, fermentation, chemistry, polymer science and polymer applications who would like to work in a friendly, collegial atmosphere. Metabolix is an equal opportunity employer. Salaries and benefits are competitive. Located near MIT, Cambridge, Metabolix is convenient to public transportation. To support our expanded piloting, engineering and market development production needs, we seek to fill the following new positions with immediate effect:

 

Science - Project Leader

Metabolix, Inc. is seeking a senior Project Leader for its microbial metabolic engineering department who will lead several projects independently and apply the latest R&D technologies to drive successful completion of strain construction efforts. The successful candidate will have in-depth knowledge of microbial physiology and metabolism required for the manufacture of robust industrial strains that produce a new generation of highly versatile, sustainable, biobased, biodegradable, natural plastics and chemicals.

Position requirements:

• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Biochemical Engineering or similar field with 4+ years postdoctoral experience in industry
• In-depth knowledge of microbial physiology and metabolism, molecular genetics, cloning, recombinant gene expression in a variety of microbial hosts, and biochemical / analytical characterization of engineered strains
• Thorough knowledge of statistics and bioinformatics tools
• Knowledge of state of the art microbial metabolic pathway engineering tools

Responsibilities:

• Provide technical leadership in advancing project goals and objectives
• Conduct and guide research on microbial metabolic pathway engineering
• Lead and supervise R&D personnel
• Assist in freedom to operate analyses and in the filing of patent applications
• Regularly report results to senior management
• Maintain concise laboratory notebooks, write technical progress reports
• Maintain a safe and orderly laboratory and ensure compliance with all safety policies and practices

Skills:

• Demonstrated ability to supervise R&D personnel
• High level of independent scientific ability, as demonstrated by publications, patents, and/or accomplishments
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage several research projects simultaneously
• Ability to apply scientific rigor to the design and execution of experiments
• Excellent understanding of how to accurately interpret data and draw justifiable conclusions
• Ability to clearly communicate scientific results and conclusions to a diverse audience
• Ability to perform creative science

Personal Attributes:

• Demonstrated team player who works effectively alone and as part of a group
• Engages in focused dialogues
• Demonstrated good listening skills
• Excellent organizational skills
• Sees problems as challenges to overcome
• Self-motivated, well organized

For immediate consideration (please follow instructions precisely):

1. Email us at HRJobs@Metabolix.com
2. Subject: Project Leader
3. Attach your resume as either Word or PDF file named yourlastname_yourfirstinitial, for example, smith_j.doc for John Smith.

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Science - Global Gene Expression

Metabolix, Inc. is seeking a scientist to establish Global Gene Expression capability for microbes using DNA microarrays and real-time PCR. The successful candidate will obtain data and use the analyzed results from DNA microarrays to guide the design of a rational genetic engineering strategy for the manufacture of robust industrial strains that produce a new generation of highly versatile, sustainable, biobased, biodegradable, natural plastics and chemicals.

Position requirements:

• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or related field
• Demonstrated experience of establishing global gene expression analysis technology using DNA microarrays
• Successful application of DNA microarrays to analyze global gene expression from bacteria grown in high-cell density fermentations
• Hands-on experience with real-time PCR
• In-depth knowledge of microbial physiology, molecular genetics, and biochemical / analytical characterization of engineered strains
• Thorough knowledge of statistical and bioinformatics tools for the self-directed analysis of DNA microarray and real-time PCR results

Responsibilities:

• Set up global gene expression analysis core capability and apply technology to expedite the construction of robust industrial production strains
• Conduct research in the lab to construct robust industrial strains using microbial metabolic pathway engineering
• Regularly report results to senior management
• Maintain concise laboratory notebooks, write technical progress reports and assist in the filing of patent applications
• Maintain a safe and orderly laboratory and ensure compliance with all safety policies and practices

Skills:

• High level of independent scientific ability, as demonstrated by publications, patents, and/or accomplishments
• Demonstrated ability to independently design, execute, and interpret experiments
• Ability to apply scientific rigor to the design and execution of experiments
• Excellent understanding of how to accurately interpret data and draw justifiable conclusions
• Ability to clearly communicate technical results to a diverse audience
• Ability to perform creative science

Personal Attributes:

• Demonstrated team player who works effectively alone and as part of a group
• Demonstrated good listening skills
• Excellent organizational skills
• Sees problems as challenges to overcome
• Self-motivated, well organized

For immediate consideration (please follow instructions precisely):

1. Email us at HRJobs@Metabolix.com
2. Subject: Global Gene Expression
3. Attach your resume as either Word or PDF file named yourlastname_yourfirstinitial, for example, smith_j.doc for John Smith.

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Science - Metabolic Modeling

Metabolix, Inc. is seeking a scientist to expand our Metabolic Modeling capability for microbes. The successful candidate will predict the behavior of microbial cells before and after in silico genetic engineering, identify potential flux bottlenecks, and guide rational genetic engineering design for the manufacture of robust industrial strains that produce a new generation of highly versatile, sustainable, biobased, biodegradable, natural plastics and chemicals.

Position requirements:

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, or similar field
• Demonstrated experience in biochemical pathway modeling, including flux balance analysis, metabolic control analysis, and thermodynamic modeling of metabolic pathways
• Extensive knowledge of microbial physiology / metabolism and recombinant gene expression in a variety of microbial hosts
• Knowledge of state of the art microbial metabolic pathway engineering tools

Responsibilities:

• Generate new and expand current metabolic models for microbes
• Determine maximum theoretical yields and generate flux maps of real and optimal systems
• Conduct sensitivity analyses to predict what genetic modifications have the most pronounced effects on yield, productivity, etc.
• Conduct research in the lab to construct robust industrial strains
• Regularly report results to senior management
• Maintain concise laboratory notebooks, write technical progress reports and assist in the filing of patent applications
• Maintain a safe and orderly laboratory and ensure compliance with all safety policies and practices

Skills:

• High level of independent scientific ability, as demonstrated by publications, patents, and/or accomplishments
• Demonstrated ability to independently reconstruct metabolic networks and conduct appropriate modeling simulations
• Ability to apply scientific rigor to the design and execution of experiments
• Excellent understanding of how to accurately interpret data and draw justifiable conclusions
• Ability to clearly communicate scientific data and results to a diverse audience
• Ability to perform creative science

Personal Attributes:

• Demonstrated team player who works effectively alone and as part of a group
• Demonstrated good listening skills
• Excellent organizational skills
• Sees problems as challenges to overcome
• Self-motivated, well organized

For immediate consideration (please follow instructions precisely):

1. Email us at HRJobs@Metabolix.com
2. Subject: Metabolic Modeling
3. Attach your resume as either Word or PDF file named yourlastname_yourfirstinitial, for example, smith_j.doc for John Smith.

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Polymer Testing/Quality Control Lab Manager

Job Responsibilities:

• Develop, maintain and operate a comprehensive laboratory dedicated to analytical and physical testing including thermal analysis, melt rheology, mechanical and optical testing.
• Serve as quality assurance lead for compounded polymer produced at the pilot and manufacturing scale, measure and track QC data, specs and issue Certificates of Analysis.
• Manage research associates team ensuring efficiency and effectiveness of the group.
• Serve as the primary interface with University of Massachusetts - Lowell coordinating pilot plant and processing activities.
• Develop and implement safety program at Metabolix lab and co-ordinate safety program with University of Massachusetts- Lowell program.
• Interface with customers and track activities to ensure that samples meet customer quality and logistics requirements.

Qualifications:

Education:

• Qualified candidates must have a minimum of B.S. degree polymer science or related field.

Experience:

• Qualified candidates must have at least 3 years of direct experience in managing a polymer testing/QC lab.

Travel: Less than 10%

Location: Lowell, Massachusetts

Skills and Capabilities:

• Experience with ASTM and ISO polymer testing and standards.
• Knowledge of quality standards and practices utilized in the polymer industry.
• Orientation to detail and experience with database management.
• Experience in managing lab safety programs and industrial standards for chemicals.
• Demonstrated direct supervision skills.
• Experience with lab and building maintenance and instrument calibration.
• Experience in direct customer interactions.
• Strong written, verbal and computer skills.
• Experience in Lean Six Sigma beneficial.

Interested candidates should forward cover letter referring to the position and resume to:
Human Resources
Metabolix, Inc.
21 Erie Street
Cambridge, MA 02139
Email: HRJobs@Metabolix.com
Fax: (617) 492-1996

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Network Administrator

Metabolix is hiring a Network Administrator to Install, setup, and monitor local area network (LAN). The candidate will perform a variety of maintenance, evaluation, installation, and training tasks to ensure LAN performance meets company and user requirements. The Network Administrator will report to the Director of IT.

Primary Responsibilities

• Administer network workstations, utilizing one or more TCP/IP or non-TCP/IP networking protocols
• Evaluate and/or recommend purchases of computers, network hardware, peripheral equipment, and software
• Investigate user problems, identify their source, determine possible solutions, test and implement solutions
• Install, configure, and maintain personal computers, Windows networks, file servers, ethernet networks, network cabling, and other related equipment, devices, and systems; adds or upgrades and configures modems, disk drives, data acquisition boards, CD ROM units, printers, and related equipment
• Perform and/or oversee software and application development, installation, and upgrades
• Maintain site licenses for department/organization
• Plan and implement network security, including building firewalls, applying cryptography to network applications, managing host security, file permissions, backup and disaster recovery plans, file system integrity, and adding and deleting users
• Troubleshoot networks, systems, and applications to identify and correct malfunctions and other operational difficulties
• Develop and conduct various training and instruction for system users on operating systems, relational databases, and other applications; assist users in maximizing use of networks and computing systems
• Identify utilization patterns and their effect on operation/system availability and performance expectations
• Anticipate communication and networking problems and implement preventive measures
• Establish and perform maintenance programs following company and vendor standards
• Ensure timely user notification of maintenance requirements and effects on system availability
• Investigate, recommend and install enhancements and operating procedures that optimize network availability
• Maintain confidentiality with regard to the information being processed, stored or accessed by the network
• Document network problems and resolutions for future reference
• Other duties as assigned

Knowledge and Skill Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of Network Administration in a scientific environment
• Bachelors in Computer Science or equivalent experience/training
• Knowledge of a range of computer networking systems and languages to include Windows, Lunix, MAC OS or similar computer networks.
• Knowledge of computing and network hardware and peripheral equipment
• Ability to communicate technical information to non-technical personnel
• Ability to install, configure, and maintain personal computers, networks, and related hardware and software
• Knowledge of computer and/or network security systems, applications, procedures, and techniques
• Ability to identify and resolve computer system malfunctions and operational problems
• Skilled in organizing resources and establishing priorities
• Ability to provide technical training to end users
• Ability to learn and support new systems and applications
• Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA)
• Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE)
• Responsibilities may require evening and weekend work in response to needs of the systems being supported

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To apply for any of these positions, please send a cover letter referring to the position and resume to:

Human Resources
Metabolix, Inc.
21 Erie Street
Cambridge, MA 02139
email: HRJobs@metabolix.com
fax: (617) 492-1996