Full-Time

Scientist – Solid State Fermentation

Confirmed live in the last 24 hours

MycoWorks

MycoWorks

201-500 employees

Produces sustainable mycelium-based leather alternative

Industrial & Manufacturing
Consumer Goods

Compensation Overview

$125k - $138kAnnually

+ Equity + Benefits

Mid

Oakland, CA, USA

Category
Public Health
Biology Lab & Research
Biology & Biotech
Requirements
  • Ph. D. in Microbiology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering or a related field; 2-4 years research experience in mycology, biotechnology, bioprocess development, fermentation, or a comparable combination in an industrial or academic setting
  • Experience with fungal systems is required
  • Experience characterizing microbial systems with a clear understanding of physiology, metabolism and knowledge of analytical chemistry methods for analyzing biomolecules is highly desirable
  • Experience with solid state fermentation is ideal
  • Experience in profiling and characterizing lignocellulosic biomass and fermentation of lignocellulosic material is preferred
  • Ability to work successfully independently as well as within a technical team, and cross-functionally
  • Ability to prioritize tasks, coordinate work with others, and meet milestones in a fast-paced setting
  • Strong written and verbal communications skills, effectively tailored to audiences of different knowledge levels
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Ability to learn new methodologies for changing research priorities
Responsibilities
  • Thoroughly characterize our solid state fermentation process (biochemical characterization of fermentation inputs and outputs, primary and secondary metabolism, morphology of the organism)
  • Correlate process inputs with mycelium growth and quality of Reishi
  • Design, execute and analyze experiments in small and large scale platforms to develop upstream processes for improvement of specific product quality attributes
  • Develop biochemical and other methods to characterize fungal growth and metabolism
  • Communicate results of experimental and process design work cross-functionally
  • Assist in transferring technology from pilot plant to factory

MycoWorks produces a leather alternative called Reishi™, made from mycelium, which is a part of fungus. This material is designed to be sustainable and is appealing to fashion brands and designers seeking eco-friendly options. Reishi™ has already been used in luxury products, such as handbags and hats. The company has recently expanded its operations by opening a large facility in South Carolina, which is the first commercial-scale plant dedicated to producing Fine Mycelium™. This expansion reflects MycoWorks' commitment to meeting the increasing demand for sustainable materials in the fashion industry. Unlike traditional leather, Reishi™ offers a more environmentally friendly choice without compromising on quality. MycoWorks aims to capture a significant share of the growing leather goods market, which is projected to reach over $720 billion by 2030.

Company Stage

Series C

Total Funding

$181.9M

Headquarters

Emeryville, California

Founded

2013

Growth & Insights
Headcount

6 month growth

3%

1 year growth

5%

2 year growth

61%
Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Growing demand for sustainable fashion boosts Reishi™'s market potential and adoption.
  • Partnerships with luxury brands like Hermès and Ligne Roset enhance brand visibility and credibility.
  • The new South Carolina facility enables efficient scaling to meet increasing demand.

What critics are saying

  • Competition from companies like Bolt Threads and Ecovative may impact market share.
  • Reliance on luxury markets could limit growth during economic downturns.
  • Operational challenges in large-scale production may affect profitability if not managed well.

What makes MycoWorks unique

  • MycoWorks offers Reishi™, a unique mycelium-based leather alternative, unlike traditional materials.
  • The company operates the world's first commercial-scale Fine Mycelium™ plant in South Carolina.
  • Reishi™ is integrated into luxury items, showcasing its premium market positioning.

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