Synthetic Organic Chemist

Banyu Carbon aims to radically reduce the cost of carbon capture, hasten the transition to a net zero carbon economy, and slow the effects of global warming. To meet this challenge, Banyu Carbon is developing a process to remove CO₂ from the environment using light-activated chemicals that is projected to require a fraction of the energy inputs compared to competing carbon capture methods. We are transitioning from prototypes in the lab towards a larger scale pilot and first-of-kind commercial facility. We have a spectacular team of scientists and engineers. We secured our first set of customers, closed an oversubscribed financing round, and are supported by a stellar team of investors. Banyu Carbon is a fast-paced research and technology development startup located on the campus of a major research university in beautiful Seattle. Gain experience bringing science to market. Put your passion for the planet and for science to work at Banyu Carbon!

Summary: We seek a highly motivated and creative synthetic organic chemist. This chemist will work as part of a team to optimize organic photoactive molecules for use in our carbon dioxide removal process. The individual must be passionate about small molecule synthesis. The candidate should have experience with and be comfortable with lab-scale organic synthesis especially of conjugated heterocycle molecules or dyes as well as the characterization of new compounds. The ideal candidate will also have experience applying the principles of physical organic chemistry to guide molecule development and synthetic approaches. Experience with polymer chemistry is a plus but it is not required. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with a small team of scientists, engineers, industrial partners, and advisors to advance our carbon capture technology from concept to deployment.

Position Type: This is an in-person regular full-time position located in Seattle, WA.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Design and synthesize target small molecules in milligram to gram quantities.
• Conduct molecular characterizations not limited to NMR, mass spectrometry, HPLC, and UV-vis-NIR.
• Collaborate with a cross-functional chemistry research team to develop a library of compounds that explores the design space of organic photochromic materials.
• Utilize expertise, creativity, problem solving, and scientific leadership to optimize organic materials for specific applications.
• Provide technical insights and communicate results to chemistry research team and company leadership.
• Clearly document experimental findings in written and electronic form.
• Conduct work with a commitment to the highest levels of safety and integrity. This includes understanding and adhering to Environmental Health and Safety standards, policies, and procedures, to promote safe work habits.
• Find, apply, and communicate relevant advances from scientific literature.
• Ensure that projects are completed on time.
• Mentor and manage technical staff for performance and professional growth.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Experience & Qualifications:

• A PhD in chemistry or related field with significant background in organic chemistry and organic synthesis. Post-doctoral or industry experience is desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to design and synthesize conjugated heterocyclic molecules.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, execute, and troubleshoot new synthetic approaches.
• Knowledge of molecular photophysics and chromophore chemistry.
• Demonstrated expertise in synthetic organic chemistry, physical organic chemistry, or photochemistry with specific regard to structure-property relationships of organic materials through publications or patents.
• Good interpersonal skills, including comfort working within a tight-knit research team.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong sense of project ownership with hands-on and can-do attitude.
• Creative self-starter that is interested in solving problems without a pre-defined answer.
• Excellent understanding of lab safety and ethical research processes.
• Current authorization to work in the US and ability to relocate to the Seattle, WA USA area is required.

Travel: 10-20% travel may be required.

Physical Requirements:

• Will sit, stand, or walk short distances for up to the entire duration of a shift.
• Will climb stairs on an occasional basis.
• Will lift, push, or pull up to 27 pounds on an occasional basis.
• Required to use hands to grasp, lift, handle, carry or feel objects on a frequent basis.
• Must be able to comply with all safety standards and procedures.
• Ability to work at a computer for extended periods of time, which includes typing, viewing data, and manipulating documents and data.
• May reach above shoulder heights and below the waist on a frequent basis.
• May stoop, kneel, or bend, on an occasional basis.
• Ability to wear personal protective equipment is required (including but not limited to: nitrile gloves, lab coat, safety glasses, hearing protection, hard hat, safety footwear).

Potential candidates will meet the education and experience requirements provided on the above job description and excel in completing the listed responsibilities for this role. The successful candidate will be required to pass a background check and must not be excluded from participation in federal programs.

Location: Banyu Carbon is located within CoMotion Labs on the beautiful campus of the University of Washington. This setting unites the fast paced and exciting environment of a startup with the thriving intellectual community and advanced instrumentation of a major research university. A light rail station, recreational sports facilities, the Burke-Gilman bike trail, and the Lake Washington Waterfront are all within a half mile of the company’s office and lab space. A transit pass with unlimited rides and membership at the university’s recreational sports facility are included in current company benefits. This is an in-person position located in Seattle, WA. Seattle is a thriving and dynamic city situated between the snowcapped Cascade Mountains and the waters of Puget Sound.

Benefits: Banyu Carbon is proud to offer employees a competitive total compensation package as well as a comprehensive benefits program designed to support the whole lives of our employees and their families. Current benefits* include: 

• 401(k) with 6% employer match
• Stock options
• Medical, vision, and dental coverage through a QSEHRA health benefits plan
• 15 days of paid time off per year in addition to paid sick time
• 13 additional paid holidays annually, including 11 federal and state holidays and 2 floating holidays to recognize cultural, religious, or personally significant events.
• Relocation assistance (negotiable)
• Transit pass that includes unlimited light rail and bus trips
• Holistic employee assistance program
• Recreational sports facility membership reimbursement

*Banyu Carbon, Inc. reserves the right to change or discontinue these benefits at any time, without limitation, regardless of employees’ length of service or employees’ reliance on these benefits in deciding whether to accept, continue, or retire from their employment.

Banyu Carbon is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.