**Only candidates based in the United States are eligible to apply**
Create written resources in alternative protein fermentation end products and ingredients
The Good Food Institute (GFI) is a nonprofit think tank working to make the global food system better for the planet, people, and animals. Alongside scientists, businesses, and policymakers, GFI’s teams focus on making plant-based, fermentation-derived, and cultivated meat delicious, affordable, and accessible. Powered by philanthropy, GFI is an international network of organizations advancing alternative proteins as an essential solution needed to meet the world’s climate, global health, food security, and biodiversity goals.
How You Will Make a Difference
In this role, you will have the opportunity to apply your scientific background to review major topics in fermentation to share with the alternative protein (AP) ecosystem. Your research will be crucial in informing the AP ecosystem on fundamental knowledge in the space as well as identifying further opportunities for growth and innovation. The Research Fellow - Fermentation will be responsible for:
Project 1 (8 weeks):
- Conducting a literature review on fermentation-derived alternative protein end products and ingredients.
- Ingredients/products of interest
- Ingredient formulation considerations
- Product/ingredient functionality
- Product content and nutritional score
- Product organoleptic qualities
- Product safety
- Relevant regulatory oversight
- Surveying the industry landscape for relevant examples of fermentation-derived AP products.
- Generating figures to represent the current state of fermentation end-products.
- Preparing a draft review (“Deep Dive”) on fermentation-derived protein end products, both biomass and precision fermentation.
- Preparing a slide deck summarizing the major themes of the review.
- Recording a Massive Online Open Course (MOOC) Slide Presentation for this Deep Dive.
Project 2, Concept Notes (4 weeks)
- In collaboration with GFI SMEs, choosing two topics of pressing need for the industry.
- Reviewing and selecting the topics of interest on end product regulation, safety, or organoleptics with guidance from supervisor and GFI fermentation team.
- Researching the current state of need for the fermentation-derived AP industry in selected topic area and potential solutions.
- Drafting Concept Notes for the two selected topics and proposed solution space.
- Participating in review of and presenting to GFI SMEs.
Who We’re Looking For
A successful candidate for the Research Fellow - Fermentation position will have experience that reflects the following:
- Ph.D. preferred; candidates currently pursuing a Ph.D. in food science, or aligned fields may also be considered. Candidates with a B.S. or M.Sc with at least 2 years of relevant experience can also apply. No candidates currently pursuing an undergraduate degree will be considered.
- A strong understanding of fermentation bioprocesses, with knowledge of the generated products, their quality, and safety requirements.
- Strong scientific writing and presentation skills.
- Ability to perform independent, self-paced work.
- A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Strong support for GFI’s philosophy and mission; demonstrated interest in plant-based & other alt proteins, public health, environmentalism, climate change, animal protection, or hunger relief.
- A commitment to GFI’s values: believe change is possible, do the most good we can, share knowledge freely, act on evidence, and invite everyone to the table.
We want the best people and we don’t want biases holding us back. We use a third-party anonymizing tool to redact personal information from submitted applications — including name, location, contact details, and several other factors — to reduce bias and increase fairness in our process. We strongly encourage people of every race, color, orientation, age, gender, origin, and ability to apply. Since we value a diverse workplace, we prioritize an inclusive climate absent of discrimination and harassment during the application process and after you join the team.
Research indicates that men tend to apply for jobs when they meet just 60% of the criteria, while women and people from other marginalized groups only apply if they are a 100% match. If you are passionate about GFI’s mission and think you have what it takes to be successful in this role even if you don’t check all the boxes, please apply. We’d appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.
The Fine Print
- Position Type: Independent Contractor
- Position Term: 20 hours of work a week for 12 weeks
- Reports to: Adam Leman, Lead Scientist, Fermentation
- Location: Remote, United States
- Stipend: $7,200 and will be paid pro-rata biweekly over the length of the assignment ($30/hour for 12 weeks)
Important Dates
Application Deadline: October 10, 2024
Anticipated Start Date: November 11, 2024
Application Instructions
GFI uses an anonymized hiring system that redacts key identifying personal information from all applications. We are testing this tool as part of an effort to reduce bias in our hiring process. Following these instructions will help to ensure your application is not delayed by a failed redaction.
- Where possible, limit the creative formatting of your documents. If the name on your resume is an inserted image file or is styled with large spaces between each letter, for example, the redaction is likely to fail. Colors and designs are OK, but wherever possible, the text itself should just be regular text.
- Please use consistent names. It helps to ensure that the name you use in your resume and cover letter is the same as the name you type into the application below. For example, if your name is Jennifer, please sign your cover letter as “Jennifer” rather than “Jenny.”
- Submit PDF or .docx files only. Other file formats, like .txt, are likely to fail redaction.
- Please do not include personal identifying information in your responses to the application questions. Referencing past education, work experience, and mission-alignment is OK.
- Please do not contact the role’s supervisor or any potential member of the hiring team. If you have questions, please email careers@gfi.org.
Thank you for helping us to ensure that the redaction process works smoothly and to review your application as quickly as possible!
