Director of Chemistry

About CycloKinetics

CycloKinetics, is an innovative biomanufacturer of superior performance propellants for aviation, aerospace, and defense applications. Our proprietary manufacturing process enables us to convert local biomass feedstocks to full performance propellants for both current and next-generation propulsion as well as carbon negative, bio-rubber that can be used in various consumer and commercial products.

We are a passionate and driven group of engineers, scientists, and visionaries focused on advancing alternative domestic energy solutions, with the purpose of accelerating the global energy transition. CycloKinetics is a venture-funded, SAF development company based out of Salt Lake City, Utah.

Job Summary:

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Director of Chemistry to take an active role within our R&D department. The successful candidate will have experience with organometallic catalytic transformations, catalyst synthesis and development, and applicable analytical techniques. This individual will be responsible for the development of synthetic routes to our different bio-material targets. The ideal candidate will lead one of our chemical R&D teams. This position requires strong scientific acumen, ability to perform hands on chemical reactions, leadership skills, and the ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage scientific research projects from concept through execution. 
• Design, plan, and perform laboratory experiments independently or with a team. 
• Development of catalysts and synthetic schemes for our chemical targets. 
• Develop sample properties test programs.
• Analyze, interpret, and present complex scientific data. 
• Manage test results and distribute them to appropriate departments. 
• Develop and optimize experimental protocols and procedures. 
• Prepare technical reports as directed.
• Lead and instruct junior members of the R&D team. 
• Work closely with team members, providing effective solutions to support operations and business development efforts. 
• Adherence to regulatory requirements, laboratory budgets, and production schedules.
• Establish and improve laboratory procedures and processes by addressing concerns/issues and risks. 
• Ensures the lab is clean and organized on a daily basis so that it is always safe and “shows well” during customer and agency visits/audits. 
• Lead the chemistry R&D team by example. 
• Interact daily with project team members developing and executing project objectives.
• Participates in factory acceptance and site acceptance tests. 
• Participates in commissioning and startup activities, including loop checking and calibration of instruments and analyzers. 
• Stay current with scientific literature and technological advances in the field. 
• Other job duties as assigned. 

Requirements:

• Doctoral Degree in Chemistry with at least ten years’ experience beyond doctoral training in an industrial setting. 
• Extensive experience in synthetic organic chemistry.
• Extensive experience in air and water sensitive reactions including organometallics.
• Prior work in fuels, propellants, and/or energetic precursors.
• Ability to design, set up, perform, and analyze complex synthetic pathways with no external guidance or training.
• Prior experience in scaling derived synthetic routes from glassware to steel reactors at minimum batch size of 100+ liters.
  
• Proven track record of scientific accomplishment (e.g., publications, patents, successful project delivery).  
• Candidates with a background in biorefinery, petroleum, or chemical industries are highly encouraged to apply.
• Strong knowledge of chemical principles is required. 
• Strong knowledge of analytical instrument operation and maintenance is required.
• Experience in project management and mentoring junior staff is a plus. 
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities. 
• Demonstrated proficiency in common computer tools and web-based applications is required. 
• Prior experience successfully participating in work teams where personal accountability, attention to detail, collaboration, and results were required is essential.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office. 

Physical Demands: 

Frequent lifting and moving of items up to fifty (50) pounds, bending, reaching above shoulder level, climbing stairs, pulling, prolonged standing or sitting may be required. Must have safe work habits and perform all duties in accordance with company safety policies. Personal protective equipment is provided by the company and its use is mandatory.

General: 

This position is based in Salt Lake City, Utah with work performed on-site. CycloKinetics is an At-Will, VEVRAA, Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, E-Verify, and Drug Free Workplace. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background verification and drug screen.

Benefits: CycloKinetics offers a competitive compensation and benefits package (health, dental, vision, employee and dependent life coverage(s) and accidental death and dismemberment, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, health savings account, 401k matching, PTO, holiday pay, parental leave, and bonus potential).

EEO Statement: CycloKinetics is an Equal Opportunity Employer and embraces diversity in our employee population. We are excited to work with talented individuals from a wide range of backgrounds. All employment decisions at CycloKinetics are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or special disabled veteran, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.

We’re looking for detail-oriented team members who pride themselves on solving problems while bringing positive energy and strong communication skills to the table. If this describes you, come join our team today and contribute to the success of our organization!

FLSA Classification: Exempt