CMMC Scale-Down Pilot - Project Lead - Contract Opportunity
(three months, part-time, paid)
Background
A CMMC Member wants to understand: why are experiments growing cells in well plates not indicative of results in larger laboratory vessels, using the same cells and media? To understand this, the Member has asked the CMMC to undertake a modeling project to better understand the relationship between vessel size and geometry, and how they affect growth conditions at scale.
Project Overview
The proposed project is a pilot, an initial project. It will happen in two stages. The first stage involves a literature review to understand the state of the art and inform whether the project will move forward beyond this initial phase. The second stage will involve building models to replicate the Member’s experimental environment, which will then be used to test various processes and investigate critical elements within the system, e.g. oxygen transfer.
Phase One will happen over several weeks, starting imminently.
Objective: perform a literature review to inform and set the direction for the entire project. A survey to understand oxygen transport in small vessels, used to perform scale-down experiments.
Phase Two will begin at the completion of Phase One
Objective: to produce a substantial insight into the cause of observed differences that motivates continuation of the project. A project plan for phase two has already been developed; it will be adjusted depending on the outcomes of Phase One
Team
The existing project team is composed of two mathematical modelers with experience in fluid dynamics and an experimentalist group with experience growing cultivated meat cells in the laboratory. These positions have already been filled.
This is a contract opportunity (part-time, paid) with two phases. The first is to conduct the literature review, which will determine whether the second phase of the project is viable and useful. The second part of the position is an opportunity to direct the team. The right person will be able to understand both the modeling and experimentalist results and work with the team to adjust the research plan accordingly.
Demonstrable focus and drive to succeed within a short time period, in order to extend the project into future stages
This literature review will inform the Member and CMMC sufficient to evaluate and modify the current research plan for this project
Gather papers relevant to the topic
Read and synthesize the literature
Build a presentation and written report that gives a view of the “state of the art” in oxygen transport as it relates to scale-down
Skills and Proficiencies
Communication, Writing, Presentation
Review and synthesize research papers
Knowledge of fluid dynamics, cell biology, bioprocessing.
Available for meetings in the US east coast time zone.
Able to put together a project plan
Flexibility and being able to make changes as technology, research, etc reveals more
Desired Experience
Advanced degree in related areas
Success managing science or engineering projects
Track record of (re)setting and meeting expectations in an uncertain environment. Realism.
Comfortable with ambiguity, shifting goals and priorities as informed by modeling and research outcomes
Application: please send your letter of application, resume and up to three letters of recommendation from colleagues to simon@thecmmc.org