Synthetic Genomics Inc. Appoints James Flatt, Ph.D. as Chief Technology Officer

LA JOLLA, Calif., May 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Synthetic Genomics Inc. (SGI), a privately held company applying genomic-driven commercial solutions to a variety of global challenges including energy and the environment, today announced that James Flatt, Ph.D. will join the company as Chief Technology Officer (CTO), effective May 19, 2010.  In his new role as CTO, Flatt will be responsible for managing and coordinating all the innovative science programs at SGI.  He will report directly to J. Craig Venter, Ph.D., SGI Founder and CEO.

"I am very pleased to have Jim join us as CTO as he brings nearly three decades of experience in turning scientific advances into products," said Dr. Venter. "Specifically, his expertise in the biofuels arena, his knowledge of microalgae-derived nutrition and food products and his sound scientific background will be a tremendous asset to SGI as we move toward future product development in these and other areas," said Dr. Venter.  

Flatt joins SGI from Mascoma Corporation, where he had been employed since 2007. There he served as EVP of Research and Development and Operations and Acting President in the second half of 2009. Flatt lead a team of nearly 70 scientists and engineers who were dedicated to scientific discovery, bacterial and yeast strain development and metabolic engineering, as well as bioprocess research, process development and engineering.  He oversaw the team responsible for the engineering, construction and operation of a pilot cellulosic ethanol facility.

Before joining Mascoma Corporation, Flatt was the SVP of Research for Martek Biosciences since 2000.  His responsibilities included all aspects of product and process development, clinical research, scientific affairs, new product discovery, and intellectual property development associated with products derived from microalgae. Prior to this Flatt was the VP of Research and Development of Omegatech, Inc from 2000 to 2002, a company that was acquired by Martek in April 2002.

Flatt received a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin, a Master of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from University of California, Berkeley and a Bachelor of Science degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

About Synthetic Genomics Inc (SGI)

SGI, a privately held company founded in 2005, is dedicated to developing and commercializing genomic-driven solutions to address global energy and environment challenges. The company's main research and business programs include: designing advanced biofuels with superior properties compared to ethanol and biodiesel; harnessing photosynthetic organisms to produce value added products directly from sunlight and carbon dioxide; developing new biological solutions to increase production and/or recovery rates of subsurface hydrocarbons and developing high-yielding, more disease resistant and economic feedstocks. For more information please visit www.syntheticgenomics.com

SOURCE Synthetic Genomics Inc.

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