R&d Scientist

**Who we are**:
Vertical Oceans is an AgriTech start-up developing an urban vertical farming system for sustainable seafood. We started with a goal to make current aquaculture systems more sustainable and ended up reinventing it. Our system combines advanced technologies in bioengineering, hardware engineering and computational algorithms to produce the world’s best tasting and most sustainable shrimp. Our system produces no waste, uses no chemicals or antibiotics, is energy efficient and fully automated.

**Where you come in**:
You will be introduced to the world of AgriTech and get in-depth knowledge of the world of aquaculture and the intensive cultivation of shrimp and seaweed, working on Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS). You will also have hands-on learning in various bioassays for shrimps and algae, measure algal health and physiology as well as the intensive production of shrimps. Safety practices and operational protocols and lab work will be included as part of the daily routine.

**Who You Are**:
You’re never satisfied with a solution. Things can always be improved. Once you finish validating a model, you’re already thinking about how it could be better. You have an intense drive towards perfection but you know that is a moving target. You often find yourself researching new techniques, methods and technologies out of curiosity. Having had success in your current role, you’re looking for the next big challenge. Something you can dedicate yourself to and take ownership of. An opportunity where you can show what you’re truly capable of.

**Key Responsibilities**:

- Perform daily laboratory operations, including water chemistry analysis, microbial seeding, physical parameter monitoring, shrimp system support, and data collection/analysis (nutrient uptake, particle size, filtration efficiency etc).
- Follow all laboratory safety protocols and maintain a clean, organized work environment; work conscientiously and responsibly to ensure the safety of yourself and others at all times.
- Maintain and cultivate seaweed and microalgae collections, including setup, daily care, water exchange, fertilization.
- Perform routine maintenance, calibration, and minor repairs on laboratory equipment to ensure optimal performance and compliance with safety and quality standards.
- Prepare stock solutions, reagents, and microbial and algal culture media.
- Conduct microbial monitoring using aseptic techniques and a laminar flow hood.
- Assist with physiological and biochemical assays (e.g., protein, lipid, and vitamin analysis) following established protocols.
- Support molecular biology techniques such as PCR and genetic data analysis.
- Compile and prepare reports on research findings.
- Generally support the Science Team research program.

**Skills**:
Essential:

- Bachelor’s degree in an area relevant to aquaculture, microbiology, marine biology, molecular biology, or biochemistry.
- Hands on skills - at least one year in biology / chemistry lab and physically able to handle day to day operations as assigned by team.
- Good communication skills and ability to work in a team.
- Attention to detail and diligence in documenting activities, methods and results is essential.

Preferred:

- Master’s degree in an area relevant to aquaculture, microbiology, marine biology, molecular biology, or biochemistry.
- Proven experience in stoichiometry, calculating concentrations, preparation of solutions, buffer solutions, stock solutions.
- Proven experience in microbiological work, medium preparation, seeding, recognition of pathogens.