Polymer Chemistry Scientist

OPENED: January 2022

About ZymoChem

ZymoChem is re-imagining how to make some of our favorite everyday products without polluting the planet. Motivated by the enormous carbon footprint and vast amount of trash from the fossil-based materials produced by century-old technologies of the ‘traditional’ chemicals industry, ZymoChem’s mission is to create plant-based, hero materials that enable a sustainable future. We are realizing this vision by pioneering low-cost fermentation-based production of chemicals coupled with advanced materials development technologies. 

ZymoChem has raised >$18 million to-date that includes funding from premier domestic & international venture capital firms, multiple government awards – most recently two ARPA-E awards – and partnerships with world-leading chemicals companies. Tripling in team size in 2021, we are maintaining our rapid growth and filling multiple roles (www.zymochem.com/careers). We seek candidates who are motivated by science & innovation and have a passion to push the boundaries of materials performance. We are collaborative, multidisciplinary, and relentlessly committed to creating a chemicals & materials industry in tune with the 21st century. If this sounds exciting, we want to hear from you. 

The Opportunity

ZymoChem is seeking a Polymer Chemistry Scientist to immediately join and contribute to the company’s R&D for the manufacturing of high-performance products. This Scientist will lead the team focused on the production and characterization of polymeric materials as well as bench-level scale-up studies. The Scientist will also coordinate with CMOs and other organizations to oversee outsourced efforts as well as pilot-level scale-up endeavors.

Responsibilities

• Synthesize, isolate and characterize small molecules used as plastics precursors and identify new processing methods at the bench scale
• Develop an understanding of impurities related to fermentation products and how they affect downstream processing
• Contribute to surface and bulk polymer modification through reactive chemistries such as epoxy crosslinking
• Quantify how process changes and impurities affect target application performance
• Identify new analytical technologies and implement proof-of-concept studies to advance the company’s polymeric materials production and characterization core competencies
• Collaborate internally with the Fermentation Team to provide feedback on product quality and assist with characterization and bioprocess development
• Work with vendors toward identifying and procuring new materials relevant for process and product development
• Assist with patent-related matters and building out the company’s IP strategy

Qualifications 

• PhD or MS in polymer science, chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, or a related discipline
• 0 years (PhD) or 3 years (MS) post-degree research experience; previous work in an industrial setting is strongly preferred
• Expertise in polymer synthesis & curing along with the production & processing handling of polymeric materials
• Experience in designing and carrying out bench-level synthesis, isolation and characterization
• Previous experiences with surface and bulk functionalization and/or modification is highly desirable
• Direct work with and exposure to R&D associated with bio-based polymers and/or water-soluble polymers; experience with microbial production of polymers is a plus
• Broad knowledge base of the state of the art and relevant IP landscape

Benefits

Full-time opportunities at ZymoChem come with: 

• Competitive salary
• Benefits package that includes company stock options, 401(k) option, and employee medical, dental, and vision healthcare coverage
• Additional benefits including dependent healthcare coverage, FSA, HSA, commuter, and supplemental life insurance
• Flexible time off policy with 15 days paid vacation days per year and 10 paid company holidays per year

ZymoChem offers full-time employees a competitive base salary, a comprehensive benefits package, and a company culture that’s collaborative, multidisciplinary, and committed to a big vision for positively impacting the world. We seek candidates who are motivated by our mission and are equally passionate toward pushing the boundaries to build a sustainable future.  This position will be based in the Gate 510 technology hub in San Leandro, CA, and ZymoChem may agree to offer relocation assistance for this role. Located in the vibrant East Bay area of San Francisco, Gate 510 is a state-of-the-facility with many in-house and nearby amenities.

If this opportunity sounds exciting and aligns with your career aspirations, we want to hear from you! Please apply here or send your resume/CV and a cover letter to harshal@zymochem.com and include “Application for Polymer Chemistry Scientist” in the subject line of the email.

Legal authorization to work in the United States is required. ZymoChem may agree to sponsor an individual for an employment visa immediate or in the future if there is a shortage of individuals with particular skills for this job.  In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States, and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.