Senior Assay Development Scientist

The Role

Bolt Threads is looking for an analytical development scientist to lead in the creation of new material characterization methods and analytical chemistry assays. Ideal candidates will be well versed in soft materials characterization, with strong technical record in rheology, dynamic mechanical analysis, mechanical testing, and/or related techniques. The role will help to improve process control, and establish robust structure-property relations for the MYLOTM product. Familiarity with polymeric systems, textile engineering/non-wovens, or composites is a plus. The successful candidate will be responsible for the design and execution of experiments, robust analytical method development, analysis of mechanical performance data, and be able to work in a fast-paced, dynamic, and collaborative setting. 

Within the first 30 days you will…

• Familiarize yourself with potential safety hazards in the lab and how to mitigate these.
• Understand the current characterization initiatives, instrument footprint, and data management systems.
• Identify gaps in knowledge and suggest where new assays could be of use.

in the first 60 days you will…

• Propose novel analytical assays to develop based on identified gaps.
• Help elucidate structure/process/property relationships by partnering with Research, Process Development, and other teams.
• Start forming working relationships with teams and individuals in biology, materials, process development, and product design.
• Be able to design and execute experiments and manage 1-2 associate researchers to accomplish goals.
• Be able to communicate your work effectively to a broad audience within the company.
• Serve as a subject matter expert in relevant characterization area(s).

in the first 90 days you will…

• Propose a roadmap for the analytical capabilities of the Research team, in collaboration with the analytics/quality teams
• Positively impact manufacturing readiness by implementing new quality and characterization techniques.

This Team will be Excited to Have You Because You Bring ...

• Master’s or Ph.D. degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. analytical chemistry, material science or engineering, textile engineering, chemistry/biochemistry, polymer chemistry, etc.)
• 5 years of experience in the development or execution of analytical methods, in academic or industrial lab setting
• Experience in designing novel assays to address unique questions
• Non-woven and composite textile development experience is a plus
• Experience operating and maintaining some of the below:
  • Mechanical testing and failure analysis 
  • Universal mechanical testers (e.g. Instron or Zwick)
  • Complex Rheology (emulsions, slurries, polymers)
  • Thermo-mechanical testing, including TGA, DSC, and DMA
  • Analytical Chemistry including titrations, FTIR, HPLC, and GC-MS
  • Polymer Characterization including GPC and IPC/GPEC
• Ability to work safely in a laboratory environment.
• Good organizational, time management, written, and oral communication skills.
• Knowledge of a programming language (e.g. Python, Octave, JMP) is favorable.

The Team 

The Analytical Development team is responsible for new methods and assays to strengthen MYLOTM development and manufacture.  Over the next year, Bolt Thread’s roadmap includes manufacturing MYLOTM at scale, delivering final product to partners, and exceeding customers’ expectations.  Our team’s goal is to help enable this by developing novel, creative, and impactful analytical techniques to strengthen the MYLOTM product and manufacturing process.

About Bolt Threads

We are a team that is dedicated to bringing sustainability to the materials that touch our lives. Our team is creative, inclusive, and multidisciplinary. We embrace curious minds that are resilient and can adapt in a rapidly evolving environment.

We provide each person with opportunities to learn and develop essential skills they will use throughout their careers. Each person can make an impact and add their unique footprint to the company’s journey.

We’re working on something big - innovating way better materials for a way better world is not easy to do. It is our collaborative and iterative approach to how we work that enables us to take on some pretty big challenges.

We don’t mind the hard work, in fact, we expect it to be, keeping it in balance with a supportive community and shared laughter along the way.

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