Co-Op, Fermentation / Downstream Processing Scientist

Company Overview:
 

Would you like to be part of a leading-edge company that manufactures sustainable bio-products that positively impact human health and the environment?  

At Mara Renewables Corporation (Mara), we believe there has never been a more critical need to evolve the food system using the power of science and nature to build a more sustainable and healthier world. We plan to develop and continually improve upon our unique, patent-protected technologies to become the leader in health ingredients for human nutrition and related industries - but our overarching vision is to go even further. We aspire to repower nature’s pantry to reimagine nutrition and revitalize wellness.  

Mara has grown significantly in the past two years and expects continued expansion going forward. Our success is no accident. It is driven by a world-class research & development team that innovates & develops patented technologies, as well as our ability to lead scale-up capabilities and provide superior product quality. Our highly collaborative team spans Canada and the UK, with headquarters in Dartmouth, NS.  

The Position:
 

In response to the need of Mara’s manufacturing plant, the Fermentation/Downstream Processing Team currently has a project to optimize several medium and process parameters in order to further reduce production cost and increase plant operation efficiency. Such optimization work requires a series of batch microbial cultivations (shake flask and batch-mode bench top fermentors), followed by enzyme extraction and harvesting of the oil. Analytical Chemistry work will be required to understand the biological usage of certain nutrient components in the medium and their effects on the synthesis of products.  

The successful candidate will join a dynamic and enthusiastic team of scientists and help to strengthen and advance the cutting-edge biotechnologies we create and develop at Mara. Reporting to the Lead Scientist and works with fermentation and downstream processing research scientists within the R&D department of Mara to carry out this project.  

This position is for 16 weeks, starting September 2, 2025.

Job Responsibilities:
 

The key responsibilities of the role include but are not limited to:  

• Discuss with the team to develop good understanding of the basic concepts of fermentation and oil extraction experiments and the products of interest  
• Identify and establish the right experimental design for various parameters of interest  
• Plan and conduct the designed experiment, collect samples, and analyze samples  
• Work with the team to analyze all results and make suggestions to improve the parameters of interest to suit the research/commercial needs of Mara  
• Report project progress at group meetings and R&D meetings by Power Point presentations  
• Generate written technical reports periodically  

Required Skills & Experience:
 

• Basic knowledge in biology, microbiology, chemistry and physics in order to understand the terms, units, and methods used in biotechnological experiments  
• Proven microbiology laboratory knowledge and skills  
• Good general computer skills (Excel, Word, and PowerPoint) for preparation and presentation of project progress
• Excellent organizational and record-keeping skills  
• Excellent interpersonal and communication (oral and written) skills  
• Attention to detail; must be able to comply with the code of conduct and laboratory safety policies of Mara R&D  

At Mara we value diversity, equity, and inclusion. We strongly encourage applications from all qualified candidates, including persons who identify as racially visible, Indigenous, persons with disabilities, women in underrepresented roles and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Mara supports candidates and employees with access and accommodation needs.