Biomanufacturing Design Lead

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Job Title: Biomanufacturing Design Lead

Department: Biodesign

Division: Academic Affairs

FLSA Status: Exempt

Reports to (Position Title): Endowed Chair of Biodesign

Grade: 10

Salary Range: $100,000 - $135,000

Union: N/A

Work Schedule: Full-time, 35 hours per week, regular business hours

General purpose: 

The Biomanufacturing Design Lead will support the research and development of the SequestStar project, an mutlit-intstitutional initiative funded by the National Science Foundation Convergence Accelerator Program. This position will lead the design of an industrial manufacturing platform that employs algae bioreactors to capture carbon and produce calcium carbonate. 

Summary of Essential Functions: 

• Serve as a senior personnel on the SequestStar project.

• Lead industrial systems design.

• Work collaboratively with the SequestStar team to achieve project objectives.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Serve as a lead of the Industrial Design Team lead.

• Serve on the PCC Optimization, Product Certification & Safety, System Design, and Partnership Teams.

• Guide design of the Input-to-Product Pilot System. (Year 1)

• Attend Weekly Meeting with Co-PIs

• Attend Monthly Full Team Meetings

• Attend End User Steering Committee Meetings, and select end user interviews

• Review NSF Convergence Accelerator Curriculum classes Attend other NSF-sponsored meetings 

• Conduct research and design as needed to advance the SequestStar technology and program efforts

• Prepare written contributions for monthly, quarterly and annual reports to the NSF and for team publications.

• Expertise in the design and deployment of manufacturing systems

• Technical knowledge of algae bioreactor systems

• Strong ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary teams, bridging engineering, biological, and business perspectives

• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with ability to prepare technical reports and present to diverse audiences

• Project management capabilities including coordination of team meetings, timelines, and deliverables

• Familiarity with Google Workspace
   

Minimum qualifications: 

• Masters degree in relevant field and/or commensurate experience

• 5+ years of experience in the design and deployment of manufacturing systems

• 1+ years of experience working with algae bioreactors or similar biological production systems

• Demonstrated ability to work successfully in interdisciplinary team environments

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Project management experience

• Working knowledge of Asana or other project management software platforms

• Experience in commercialization of technologies, from pilot scale to industrial deployment

• Familiarity with carbon capture, carbon utilization, or sustainability-focused technologies

Reporting to this position:

• No direct reports

• Candidate must successfully complete a full background check

• This position is funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation, Convergence Accelerator Program, Track M Phase 2. This project is scheduled to be funded for three years (7/1/2025-6/31/2028), but requires annual renewal by the NSF. This role is conditional upon continued funding from the NSF, and may be terminated in the event of non-renewal or other interruptions of funding. 

• May require occasional work outside of regular business hours

• This position allows for remote work, with occasional in person work on the MICA campus and at partner locations, including University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Horn Point Campus.

Physical demands and work environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Physical Demands: While performing the duties of the job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; balance; stoop; talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift up to 45 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. 

• Work environment: While performing the duties of the job, the noise level in the work environment is usually minimal. but ear protection may be required at times.

• Required training: Handbook orientation, Anti-Harassment, Hazard Communication, Emergency Plans & Fire Prevention. 

Maryland Institute College of Art is committed to its policy of providing equal opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, or veteran status (disabled, Vietnam-era, or otherwise). Furthermore, the College does not tolerate any form of sex discrimination, including sexual harassment or sexual violence. This policy applies to all programs, facilities, and activities provided by Maryland Institute College of Art, including but not limited to admission, educational programs, and employment.

Applicants must apply online for each job in which they are interested. You will not be considered for any job for which you have not specifically applied. We do not accept applications via email, U.S. mail, or fax. Successful candidates for any staff or faculty positions will be subject to a pre-employment background check.

MICA provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities on a case-by-case basis. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact Human Resources at 410-225-2363.