Lead Scientist / Head of R&D

About Rarebird

Rarebird is an innovative coffee company dedicated to advancing mental and physical wellness through America's favorite drink. We've developed Px coffee, a patented coffee containing paraxanthine (Px) instead of caffeine, offering the benefits of coffee without the jitters, anxiety, and sleep disruption associated with caffeine. Notable highlights about the company:

• Venture-backed startup whose investors include Y Combinator, First Round Capital, AgFunder, and 43North.
• Px coffee was awarded Best New Product by the National Coffee Association in 2023

Rarebird has been awarded a $1MM grant from the National Science Foundation to develop a biomanufacturing route to produce Px using engineered enzymes. We're seeking a talented, motivated Lead Scientist to head our current research efforts and who is also interested in expanding and growing our R&D efforts (and team) over time. This position is perfect for someone wishing to get in early and grow with a fast-paced, innovative company.

Position Overview

The Lead Scientist will play a crucial role in driving Rarebird's innovation and product development initiatives. This position will, at a minimum, entail completing grant R&D workplans along with support of a research assistant and technicians. However, the ideal candidate will be one who is interested in growing our R&D capabilities by seeking out and applying for additional grant funding. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in biochemistry, bioprocess development, or a related field.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish and manage a R&D laboratory, ensuring compliance with standard laboratory safety and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Lead research projects using isolated enzymes in cell-free systems (i.e., enzyme-catalyzed conversion of caffeine to Px).
• Write and manage research grants, including preparing twice yearly progress reports for the National Science Foundation summarizing research results.
• Train and manage research staff, fostering a culture of innovation and scientific excellence.
• Develop and implement research workplans (i.e., experimental design through data analysis).
• Oversee the operation and maintenance of analytical equipment, particularly HPLC
• Prepare and present research findings to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Collaborate with management to align current and future R&D efforts with business goals.
• Ideally, lead future grant proposal submission and work to buildout Rarebird’s R&D capabilities by winning new grant awards.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess many, but not necessarily all, of the following qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in a research role, preferably in a biomanufacturing or related industry.
• Demonstrated expertise in laboratory management.
• Strong background in develping and implementing new experimental workflows (including, experimental design, data analysis, and statistics).
• Experience with HPLC and other analytical techniques relevant to quantifying small-molecule concentrations.
• Proven track record in grant writing and management; excellent technical writing and communication skills.
• Experience managing and developing research teams is a plus.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced startup environment with minimal supervision is a requirement.

Required Skills

The ideal candidate will possess a number of the following skills:

• Laboratory Management & Safety
• Technical Expertise in one or more of the following laboratory skills: molecular cloning, microbial cell culture, bioreactor fermentations, enzyme isolation/purification, operation of cell-free enzyme reactors, and batch/continuous reactor setup and analysis.
• Grant Writing and Management
• Technical Writing and Communication
• Team Leadership and Project Management
• Strategic Thinking and Innovation
• Self-Motivation and Adaptability

What We Offer

• Baseline Compensation: $110-$160k per year, dependent on experience and expertise
• As a member of Startup-Up New York, this position is NY State tax exempt (up to 10 years); this benefit will likely equate to $6-7k in annual tax savings.
• Competitive equity package commensurate with experience and ability to build long-term value at the company.
• Benefits include: employee covered healthcare, vision, and dental insurance, and 401k
• Opportunities for performance-based compensation tied to grant milestones and submissions (e.g., 7.5% bonus on any new grants won)
• Potential for career and responsibility growth with expansion of R&D programs
• Opportunity to lead cutting-edge research in a rapidly growing, innovative start-up

Rarebird is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, disability, or veteran status.