Analytical Chemist

Bioextrax is an innovation-driven company using industrial biotechnology to contribute to a more sustainable future. We are originally a spin-off from the Department of Biotechnology at Lund University and are now a rapidly growing publicly traded company.
The core of our business is a highly scalable bio-based platform technology for the hydrolysis of protein-rich materials. This technology has many applications contributing to a sustainable and circular economy. Based on this platform, we have developed chemical-free methods to produce the bio-based and biodegradable polymers PHAs (polyhydroxyalkanoates) and turn various protein-rich materials such as poultry feathers into valuable materials for feed, textile, and cosmetic applications.
We are currently looking for an Analytical Chemist to join the team on our transformative journey to become a global leader within the bio-based economy. For more information, look at bioextrax.com.
About the position
As an Analytical Chemist you will primarily be contributing to the measurement and optimization of the performance of our bioprocess for synthesis and extraction of biologically synthesized polyesters (polyhydroxyalkanoates –PHAs). You may be also involved in our process to produce hydrolysed protein and keratin fibres from poultry feathers. In this role, you will be a core part of the R&D team by designing, performing and optimizing analytical methods for the analysis of samples generated in our different processes.
Additionally, you will assist with the interpretation of the analytical data in close collaboration with our Senior R&D Engineer to establish robust analytical methods that will generate consistent and reliable data. The position also involves operating and performing basic maintenance of our analytical equipment.
Your job responsibilities:
- Processing of biomass, polymers, hydrolyzed biomass and other similar samples for analytical analysis.
- Development and optimization of analytical methods using gas chromatography (GC), gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for analysis of the samples.
- Complete documentation and reports for samples including timely entries in notebooks and laboratory databases.
- Interpretation, critical analysis and presentation of the analytical results.
- Active contribution to the improvement of processes and methods, as well as evaluation of the patentability of the results.
- Actively identifying opportunities for automation of routine tasks to minimize analytical errors/variability.
Your background/ work experience:
MSc. graduates within analytical chemistry, biochemical engineering, environmental engineering, biotechnology or related discipline.
Required lab experience:
- At least one year of practical experience working in a laboratory environment.
- Some practical knowledge of GC, GPC and HPLC.
- Strong theoretical knowledge of the principles of operation of the above mentioned analytical instruments.
- Some practical experience and good theoretical knowledge of statistical analysis and design of experiments.
Desired experience:
- We highly value experience in analytical analysis of biologically synthesized analytes, specifically of biopolymers.
- Experience in analysis of sugars, peptides, proteins and lipids.
- Some programming experience in Python, Matlab, R or similar is a plus. We also value experience in advanced statistical analysis programs beyond Excel.
Do you have a curiosity and passion for creating sustainable products?
The successful candidate should have an entrepreneurial mindset and the ability to take advantage of new opportunities and let go of things that do not work. Willingness to learn new things, collaborate, and critically assess new ideas are also essential. You should also have the ability to communicate effectively with cross functional teams.
Bioextrax is growing fast, and you consider it an exciting opportunity to be part of our journey.
This is a full-time position based in Lund, Sweden, and the salary is negotiable depending on the candidate’s experience.
Does it sound like you?
To apply, please send your CV to Monica Arcos Hernandez at marher@bioextrax.com (no cover letter needed). This is an on-going recruitment process; interviews are being conducted continuously.
For questions regarding the recruitment process, please contact Head of Communications, People & Culture, Helena Raihle at her@bioextrax.com or on + 46 702 635 378.