Research and Development Associate jobs in Richmond, CA

About ZymoChem

ZymoChem is breakthrough science for a fossil-free future.  We accelerate the transition to a real-zero economy by developing bio-based materials for everyday products.  Our platform is powered by proprietary carbon conserving (C2) microbes that convert renewable feedstocks into high-value materials while radically minimizing CO2 loss during the production phase.  

ZymoChem recently closed a $21 million Series A round of fundraising to support the launch of our first high-performance material and to advance our first partnered product to commercial scale.  In addition to this funding from premier domestic & international venture capital firms, we are also supported by existing revenues from commercial partnerships with world-leading companies and funding from multiple government awards, including a 2023 $4MM grant from the Department of Energy. 

With a plan to double our team in 2024-25, 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, and products industry in tune with the 21st century. 

Our Mission: To catalyze a real-zero economy with drop-in, bio-based solutions.

Our Vision: To live in a world in which the goods we depend on every day are bio-manufactured from 100% renewable materials and designed for a sustainable economy - without compromise.

Our Values: Lead with Compassion, Aspire Collectively, Evolve Continuously, Innovate with Impact, Scale Sustainably

Position Summary

The Enzyme Development Sr. Research Associate / Scientist I joins an interdisciplinary team working on the biocatalytic foundation of Zymochem.  The successful candidate will work in a fast-paced, goal-oriented environment and advance their career at the cutting edge of synthetic biology.  We are looking for you if you are a curious problem-solver with an interest in the nuts-and-bolts of challenging biocatalysts.  We also want a collaborative spirit, who will support multiple stages in the R&D pipeline (eg. strain development and fermentation).  The successful candidate will exercise both their knowledge and creativity to characterize Zymochem’s C2 pathways and engineer improvements in them.

Responsibilities

• Plans and conducts basic laboratory experiments, applying and adapting defined protocols and procedures; generates reproducible and reliable results.
• Prepares and analyzes samples for laboratory procedures, including equipment setup.
• Coordinates and troubleshoots technical activities (such as reagents, samples, standards, and chemical solutions) for ongoing improvement in quality, increase throughput, and decrease in operational expenses.
• Compiles records and maintains data on results of analysis and communicates results and ideas to the supervisor.
• Clearly documents and maintains laboratory notebooks and computer documentation
• Researches, reads, comprehends, and summarizes relevant scientific literature to support work, contribute to optimization of projects and to explore new technologies or strategies for improvement.
• Participate and contribute ideas in group and project meetings or with other internal and external stakeholders. 
• Assists with basic technical document revision.
• Supports scientists or engineers for projects/publication/ patents.
• Work in accordance with health and safety guidelines and company policies.  
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications 

• Requires BS or MS in Chemistry, Chemical Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, (Bio)chemical Engineering, or related field. 
• Solid fundamental knowledge of enzyme mechanisms, protein characterization, and assay development / optimization.
• Industry experience:  Bachelors with 5 years, Masters with 3 years, or PhD with 0 years.
• Experience studying and improving enzyme kinetics / stability / sustained performance in vitro.
• Experience planning and executing experiments to translate in vitro characterization to improvements in strains.
• Ability to operate laboratory equipment (including basic maintenance and calibration) along with a rigorous attention to details with experimental design, execution, and recordkeeping utilizing good laboratory practices and protocols. 
• Strong time management skills, effective with multitasking, and an adept ability to improvise work plans while maintaining efficiency
• Capable of working collaboratively in a team environment
• Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and strong computer skills
• Ability to exercise judgment within specifically defined practices and procedures; guided decision making.
• Ability to incorporate safety concepts in processes and equipment design
• Must be able to move up to 25 pounds and move around the lab facility between multiple locations.
• Nice-to-haves (not required, but let us know if this is you!):
  • Experience developing and executing screens & selections for collections of proteins (low-, med-, or high-throughput).
  • Experience with medium- or high-thoughput anaerobic fermentations.
  • Experience building protocols for lab automation (BioMek, Opentrons, etc.).
  • Experience translating enzyme engineering goals to improved productivity in strains and fermentations.  
  • Experience working anaerobically and studying activation / inactivation processes of radical FeS enzymes.

Culture and Benefits

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. Located in the vibrant East Bay area of San Francisco, our headquarters are housed at Gate 510, a state-of-the-facility with many in-house and nearby amenities.

Full-time opportunities at ZymoChem come with: 

• Competitive salary range of $90,000 to $126,000 depending on experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package includes company stock options, 401(k) retirement plan (includes a corporate match), medical, dental, and vision healthcare coverage, and life and long-term disability insurance.
• Additional benefits include FSA, commuter, and supplemental life insurance.
• Flexible time off policy with 18 days Paid Time Off (PTO) per year and 10 paid company holidays per year.
• Relocation assistance may be agreed upon as well.

If this opportunity sounds exciting and aligns with your career aspirations, we want to hear from you!  Please send your resume/CV and a cover letter through our website job posting.

Legal authorization to work in the United States is required. ZymoChem may agree to sponsor an individual for an employment visa immediately 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.