Downstream Processing Engineer

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

ZymoChem is looking for a talented and experienced Downstream Processing Engineer to join a rapidly expanding Process Development & Scale-up (PD&S) group. This role is a career-defining opportunity to gain diverse experiences in developing and scaling commercially relevant unit operations to develop innovative bio-based materials. In this role, you will have an opportunity to develop and optimize purification processes with other internal R&D groups as well as the company’s external partners to accelerate the scale-up of purification processes from the benchtop to the pilot and manufacturing scale. 

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize commercially scalable and cost-effective processes for the recovery and purification of microbial fermentation-based products.
• Lead efforts at various scales, ranging from bench to manufacturing in developing and optimizing DSP process.
• Lead small molecule recovery efforts including and not limited to distillation , Filtration and Ion exchange. 
• Design and execute experiments at lab scale for both proof-of-concept and benchmarking studies to meet project milestones aimed at achieving product purity and performance at industrial specifications.
• Analyze, document, and interpret data clearly and communicate results to other members of the team and propose next steps. 
• Research and summarize relevant scientific literature to develop and optimize the recovery process. Work with other engineers to troubleshoot and improve processes through novel and creative scientific approaches.
• Support the maintenance of the company’s product recovery & purification technologies via hands-on equipment troubleshooting & upgrade equipment as necessary.
• Partner with vendors to identify new technologies and capabilities and proof-of-concept studies to advance the company's process capabilities.
• Contribute to the development of ZymoChem’s IP strategy & portfolio toward expanding the company’s competitive position.

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in (Bio)chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related discipline.
• Must have 2 to 5 years of industrial/startup experience in DSP process development.
• Hands-on experience with various unit operations (centrifugation, tangential flow filtration, distillation, crystallization, Ion exchange and drying etc.) 
• Previous experience in small molecule recovery is highly preferred. 
• Excellent experimental design, execution, and recordkeeping skills. Familiarity with JMP is a plus
• Strong organizational and planning skills, with the ability to balance multiple deliverables and responsibilities.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Ability to incorporate safety concepts into processes and equipment design.
• Flexibility to travel to partner and plant sites ~20%.
• Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds and to move around the lab facility between multiple locations.

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 $100,000 to $130,000, 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 job posting on our website.

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.