Title: Process Development Associate or Chemistry Associate

Department: Process Development

Position Summary

We are accelerating the world's transformation to sustainable materials by replacing fossil fuel sources with plants. geno believes that all products should be responsibly sourced, traceable and transparent — the sustainable source. Our vision to drive climate action at scale starts by making the same molecules, ingredients, and materials we rely on every day, deriving them from more sustainable sources. We're proud to help leading brands and manufacturers meet their sustainability, decarbonization and circularity goals for everything from carpets to car parts, clothing to cleaning products.

This position will be responsible for executing lab and pilot-scale experiments that contribute to the development of novel processes to produce chemicals via fermentation. Technical areas of responsibility span fermentation and downstream separation steps such as filtration, centrifugation, chromatography, extraction, and distillation. He/she will lead our experimental planning, execution, and documentation. Mentor junior chemists and advise in setting-up/operation of equipment, collect experimental samples, perform sample assays, perform data analysis and reporting. The position is integrated with our process development team based at our innovation center in San Diego, CA.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Execute wet chemistry assays, quality control and physical property testing routinely
• Coordinate sample analysis by Gemomatica’s Analytical team and 3rd party laboratories
• Assist with writing new and update existing documentation such as SOPs and testing protocols
• Maintain accurate and detailed record of analyses
• Contribute to preparation of Technology Transfer Packages and provide on-site support and /or training
• Assist in designing, planning, and execution of experiments at bench scale
• Contribute to experimental reports, data analysis and presentation
• Carry out bench-scale experiments assisting chemists/engineers in development of separation purification methods
• Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) and ensure compliance with Genomatica’s EH&S protocols
• Assist with sample generation, shipment, and other logistics requirement between R&D and Manufacturing
• Assist in operation of separation and purification equipment
• Perform laboratory housekeeping activities, and maintain a clean and well-organized work areas for maximum safety and efficiency
• Order general lab supplies and maintain inventory

Qualifications & Experience

Education

• B.S. in chemistry, biochemistry, or a related discipline
• Spring 2022 graduates will be considered for this position

Experience

• Organic chemistry, chemical synthesis, purification/separation, and characterization
• 0-2 years of experience in wet chemistry, chemical synthesis in biotechnology, oleochemical, or related scientific field is a plus
• Candidate must have some background working in a laboratory environment and be proficient in common laboratory techniques such as operating instrumentation, weighing, pipetting and solution/reagent preparation
• The successful candidate will possess strong analytical and communication skills, superb attention to detail and a passion to spend time in a laboratory

Knowledge Requirements

• Wet lab skills including sample preparation, instrument methods, data analysis and reporting
• Basic knowledge in maintenance and calibration of instrumentation
• Strong safety attitude
• Enjoys laboratory-based research work
• Must be flexible, motivated, and collaborative
• Capable of self-time-management to complete tasks efficiently and within deadlines
• Understanding of process chemistry, impurity chemistry, or fatty acid chemistry a plus
• Experimental designs, data analysis and reports
• Strong problem solving and creative scientific skills

Competencies

• Able to work well in cross-functional setting across other departments.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Ability to interact comfortably, confidentially, and professionally with all levels of the organization and external customers
• Team player committed to success and getting the job done well
• Technological literacy with an emphasis on Microsoft Excel, Outlook, Teams and Word

Work Environment/ Physical Demands

The work environment and physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Comfortable using standard Personal Protective Equipment while in laboratory
• Some shift work may be required at times
• Mechanical aptitude operates laboratory equipment, basic maintenance, and calibration
• Strong safety attitude

Genomatica is committed to providing exciting career opportunities in an environment that values trust, respect, openness, teamwork, creativity, enthusiasm, and diligence. We strive to create a culture that enables and encourages everyone to bring their whole selves to work. We are committed to be a company where everyone feels they have equal opportunity to reach their potential. Everyone is accepted and appreciated for who they are and what they bring to Genomatica.

We promote the continued development of an inclusive environment that values diversity through Geno4All, our employee led Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) committee. We are looking for innovative, highly motivated, and collaborative people who enjoy the challenges and rewards of a company devoted to commercializing cutting-edge sustainable technology.

Check us out on our LinkedIn Life page. Genomatica is an equal opportunity employer.

Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by law.