Other folks probably know more about this than I do, but it's interesting to see the outgrowth of non-pharma/biotech-related startups in the Bay Area:
Research Scientist I / II - Synthetic Chemistry Asilomar Bio, Inc. - San Francisco Bay Area, CA
At Asilomar Bio, we’re working to improve agriculture by tackling some of the biggest challenges that farmers encounter. We are a life science company developing chemical and biological products to improve crop harvest yields and resource efficiency. We believe that using chemistry to reprogram plant physiology (including water use, nutrient use, photosynthesis, and development) will enable a ‘step change’ in agricultural productivity and sustainability.
Asilomar Bio is seeking a motivated Synthetic Chemist to join the company’s chemical discovery and development team. The primary responsibility of this role will be the design and synthesis of novel small molecule active ingredients that meet Asilomar’s technical and strategic goals. The successful candidate will join a dynamic and multidisciplinary team working from the molecular level to the field scale. The position will be based in the San Francisco Bay Area and report to the Director of Chemistry.Looks to be entry-level-ish. Full details here. Best wishes to those interested.
Start-ups working on non-traditional crop protection/yield enhancement molecules are actually quite the thing now, but I hadn't heard about Asilomar Bio. This is simplifying it a bit, but it seems now you can grow a random strain of some bacteria or fungus, spray the whole solution on plants, and if you see a boost in growth or kill some bugs, then BOOM! You've got yourself a biopesticide! (as opposed to the evil small molecule pesticides that destroy the earth) But, please don't characterize all of the small molecules in the broth that actually did the work, because then you might find a compound that would qualify as a "chemical" pesticide.
ReplyDeleteSure it's easy to make ag chemicals and GMO seeds but the big players guarantee the farmers crops. If there is a screw up the farmers get large payouts.
ReplyDeleteVery few, if any farmers will take a chance with no monetary guarantee.