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Industrial Synthetic Chemist

Hayward, CA

About Lygos

Lygos is an industrial biotechnology company developing biobased sustainable solutions to improve everyday products. Our technology platform enables better economics and unlocks the power of organic acids specialty chemicals, enabling our partners to offer sustainable alternatives to legacy petroleum-based plastics, fragrances, home and personal care products, and more.

About the Position

We are seeking a dynamic and motivated Industrial Chemist to join our growing organization. As a member of the Downstream and Scaleup team, you will report to the Director of Process Engineering and support the transfer of new processes to manufacturing partners. You will enable the process development of our biodegradable functional polymers to efficiently develop scalable and economical processes for scaleup. This is a hands-on position with primary responsibilities around lab/pilot-scale data generation to enable the rapid transitioning of the technology from development, through technical transfer, and into routine manufacturing operation. In this role, you will have the opportunity to contribute to our mission of producing sustainable products, enable existing products to elevate their market share and establish new performance products and brands. You will also get to experience working in a collaborative team environment.

Role & Responsibilities:

  • Develop processes for producing Lygos’ functional polymers
  • Design and execute lab-scale and pilot-scale process development experiments/tests to optimize process conditions, gather data for process design, and for process scale-up
  • Collection and analysis of all relevant experimental data and coordination of analytical material analyses using both internal and external resources
  • Assist in the development of product specifications and quality control methods to ensure reliable product performance in target applications
  • Identify, procure, and integrate suitable lab/pilot test equipment for development of production processes
  • Assist in the planning and execution of external lab/pilot/commercial-scale trials with equipment manufacturers to gather data for process design
  • Support the safe and efficient transfer of processes to contract manufacturing organizations
  • Support development and integration of commercial equipment for production of functional polymers
  • Collect/analyze data, generate technical reports and presentations and present to stakeholders in weekly/monthly meetings
  • Responsible for preparing SOP’s for safe execution of lab-scale and pilot-scale experiments
  • Support and participate in process safety reviews
  • Work collaboratively and exchange ideas/information with other groups to develop the most efficient integrated processes

Qualifications & Experience: 

  • PhD in chemistry or related field with a minimum of 3 years of industrial experience OR BS/MS with minimum 5 years of experience
  • Must be hands-on and able to design and execute experiments safely with minimal supervision
  • Previous hands-on experience scaling up chemical processes from lab/bench scale to pilot/manufacturing scale
  • Solid fundamental knowledge of synthetic chemistry principles and scale-up methodology for developing a commercially viable production process
  • Strong research, problem-solving, writing, and analytical skills.
  • Critical mindset with the ability to work independently or on a team.
  • Motivated self-starter with a sense of urgency that is comfortable in a fast-paced, multitasking environment
  • Superb organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills
  • Collaborative, analytical, and data-driven
  • The highest regard for safety, respect for people, and ethical behavior
  • Ability to travel for process/equipment trials onsite support (~20%)

Nice-to-haves (but not required):

Hands-on experience developing and/or scaling up polymerization processes

  • Experience scaling up processes to manufacturing scale

Compensation and Benefits: Lygos offers highly competitive salaries, stock options, bonus and benefits, including medical and dental insurance, unlimited paid time off, and 401(k).Salary Range: $125,000 - $145,000. base (this role is eligible for additional compensation in the form of a bonus) - Actual pay will vary based on various factors, including but not limited to location, skill, experience, and performance.

The benefits and stock purchase described above are subject to the terms and conditions of any governing plans, policies, practices, agreements, or other materials or documents as in effect from time to time, including but not limited to terms and conditions regarding eligibility.

Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required.  Lygos may agree to sponsor an individual for an employment visa now or in the future if there is a shortage of individuals with particular skills for this job.  

Location information: This position is for our Hayward, CA headquarters.  The employee must be able to primarily work on-site at this location.

Lygos, Inc. does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits.

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