Protein Extraction & Separation Scientist The RoleWe are seeking an experienced Protein Extraction & Separation Scientist to join our R&D team and lead the development and optimization of our downstream processing pipeline. This is a hands-on, bench-heavy role at the heart of what we do: taking engineered soybean seeds containing our casein proteins and efficiently extracting, enriching, and purifying them into a high-quality dairy protein fraction. You will own the full downstream workflow from seed homogenization through final protein fraction characterization, with a particular focus on membrane-based separations using tangential flow filtration (TFF). You will be responsible for developing scalable, reproducible protocols that maximize casein micelle recovery and purity while minimizing native soy protein contamination -- a technically demanding separation challenge that sits at the intersection of plant biochemistry and bioprocess engineering. What You Will DoProtein Extraction Development- Design, execute, and optimize extraction protocols for solubilizing and recovering casein micelles from whole and ground soybean seed material- Screen and optimize key process parameters including buffer composition, pH, ionic strength, reducing agents, temperature, and mechanical disruption conditions- Develop robust pre-clarification methods (centrifugation, depth filtration, bead milling) to prepare crude extracts for downstream membrane processing- Investigate the structural integrity and state of casein micelles throughout extraction and separation unit operations Membrane-Based Separation & TFF Operations- Lead development and optimization of tangential flow filtration (TFF) methods to separate casein micelles from native soy proteins, leveraging size, charge, and micellar structure differences- Design and execute TFF experiments across scales (bench-top to pilot), optimizing transmembrane pressure, crossflow velocity, membrane selection, and diafiltration conditions- Evaluate and compare ultrafiltration and microfiltration membrane chemistries and MWCO cutoffs to achieve target casein purity and yield specifications- Develop single-pass TFF (SPTFF) and recirculating TFF strategies appropriate for different process development stages- Manage membrane care, cleaning validation, and performance monitoring protocols Analytical Characterization- Quantify and characterize protein fractions using SDS-PAGE, Western blot, BCA/Bradford assays, and UV-Vis spectroscopy- Develop assays for protein purity and identity assessment- Characterize casein micelle size, colloidal stability, and structural integrity- Benchmark extracted casein fractions against commercial bovine casein standards for functional properties relevant to cheese and milk manufacture Process Documentation & Scale-Up Support- Maintain rigorous laboratory notebooks and SOPs for all extraction and separation methods- Generate data packages and technical reports tracking yield, purity, and process performance metrics across development iterations- Collaborate with upstream molecular biology and agronomy teams to understand how seed processing, storage, and cultivar differences affect protein extraction efficiency- Contribute to scale-up planning and support technology transfer to pilot-scale processing as the company grows What We Are Looking ForRequired Qualifications- B.S. or M.S. in Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field with strong biochemistry fundamentals; a Ph.D. with relevant research experience is also welcome- 3+ years of hands-on experience extracting and purifying proteins from plant-based, microbial, or animal tissue source materials in an industrial or academic R&D setting- Direct, working experience operating and troubleshooting tangential flow filtration systems- Proficiency with standard protein analytical techniques: SDS-PAGE, Western blot, spectrophotometric quantification, and FPLC/HPLC- Demonstrated ability to independently design and interpret process development experiments, with strong quantitative data analysis skills- Comfortable working at the bench every day -- this is a full-time, fully on-site laboratory role Preferred Qualifications- Background in soy or legume protein fractionation and familiarity with phytate, antinutrient, and off-flavor challenges in soy processing- Familiarity with colloidal protein systems and methods for assessing colloidal stability- Experience scaling extraction or filtration processes from bench (mL) to pilot (L to tens of L) scale- Exposure to alternative protein, precision fermentation, or food biotechnology industries Compensation & BenefitsMozza Foods offers a competitive total compensation package commensurate with experience. Full package details are discussed during the hiring process.Salary range: $70,000 - $165,000In addition to salary, we offer:- Equity stake in Mozza Foods -- everyone who builds this company shares in its success- Health, dental, and vision insurance- PTO and paid holidays- A mission you can be proud of -- and the chance to build something that will genuinely change the food system To ApplyPlease send your resume and a brief cover letter describing your experience with protein extraction and/or membrane separations to [email protected]. We review applications on a rolling basis and will reach out to qualified candidates promptly. Mozza Foods is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.