Full-time Description Shee Atiká Enterprises, LLC (SAE) and VitaKey are teaming to present an exciting opportunity to work in a start-up setting using proprietary technology to encapsulate micronutrients and probiotics that improves nutritional value of foods and beverages for better human health. VitaKey was developed in the MIT laboratory of engineer, inventor, scientist and entrepreneur Dr. Robert S. Langer — founding father of drug delivery and controlled-release technology — to enable precision nutrition and future of food. We are seeking innovative and motivated scientists and engineers to be part of the SAE team at VitaKey's Durham, NC location. Learn more about our team at www.sae-llc.net and www.VitaKey.com. Role Summary Responsibilities will involve leading formulations development and customization expertise utilizing a platform technology for encapsulating nutrients. You will serve as a project team lead. Projects will be highly interdisciplinary, at the intersection of engineering, biochemistry, materials science, food science and nutrition. Duties and Responsibilities Design and execute encapsulated nutrient formulations for oral administration to match the desired release and absorption profile in a specific matrix Develop approach to screen materials for specific release properties and create a library of materials for use on various projects Develop a library of formulations with controlled release functionality for use on various projects Management of contract research organizations to execute on-time and on-budget deliverables Conduct in vitro stability and release kinetics studies Design in vivo release and absorption studies Lead and manage associates and technicians within the group and with external laboratories through experimental design and implementation, towards achieving milestones Requirements Candidate must have a Ph.D. or M.S. with a minimum of 3 years of experience in academia or industry in formulation, chemical engineering, bioengineering, pharmaceutical sciences, polymer chemistry, food science or allied disciplines. Candidate must be authorized to work for any employer in the US without sponsorship. SAE will not sponsor for this position. Experience in developing oral formulations; application of principles of engineering and controlled release in designing and characterizing formulations Experience in high throughput materials screening approaches for formulation stabilization and development Experience developing formulations for proteins, pharmaceuticals, or nutraceuticals Experience working with spray dryers, fluid bed coaters, extruders, or other manufacturing equipment Experience working with proteins, polymers, bacteria, and/or lipids Experience generating and interpreting experimental data Demonstrated record of successfully executing complex projects in a related field Excellent cross-disciplinary skills in communicating scientific ideas to non-scientist stakeholders to foster collaboration and deliverable-based teamwork Entrepreneurial and self-motivated work style Ability to adjust rapidly to changing scientific priorities and technologies Desired Skills, Knowledge, Abilities Startup experience is highly valued. Record of industry achievement. Work Environment Office environment. Requires ability to provide clear, concise, accurate and timely communication, both verbally and in writing (100%). Requires ability to interact professionally with co-workers, management, and client (100%). Occasional business travel may be required. Only requested and approved expenses will be covered by SAE. About SAE Shee Atiká Enterprises, LLC (SAE) maintains an outstanding work environment that includes competitive compensation, outstanding benefits, and challenging work assignments with opportunities for advancement/career growth. To be considered for employment opportunities you must complete an online application. EEO Statement SAE is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action-Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or protected veteran status. U.S. Citizenship is required for most positions. SAE is an advocate of preferential hiring and professional development of qualified Shee Atiká Inc shareholders, their spouses and descendants, and Alaska Natives in accordance with Public Law 93-638. For further information on our equal opportunity protections as part of the employment process: http://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf http://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/OFCCP_EEO_Supplement_Final_JRF_QA_508c.pdf Accessibility SAE is committed to expanding access to employment for people with disabilities and disabled veterans. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, and your disability prevents you from applying, please advise what reasonable accommodation ANR can provide to assist you in applying for one of our open positions. You may contact us by sending an email to sgs-hrsheeatikagov.com Reasonable accommodations are considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation for applying for a specific posted position will be responded to. Requests will be kept confidential and shared strictly on a need-to-know basis. Please be aware, scammers may try to impersonate our company by reaching out regarding job opportunities. We will never ask you for bank account information, checks, or other sensitive information as part of our hiring process. If you’re unsure, please email sgs-hrsheeatikagov.com with questions. The pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.