Job Information
ZymoChem Materials Quality Lead in San Leandro, California
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
The Opportunity
We’re seeking an enthusiastic, hands-on Materials Quality Lead to join our growing team. In this role, you’ll have the unique opportunity to help develop processes for producing first-of-its-kind super absorbent polymer (SAP) bioproducts that will replace materials currently produced from petroleum. You will gain diverse experience from investigating, assembling, and scaling commercially relevant analytical workflows, and will explore a combination of established and cutting-edge technologies. This opportunity offers consistent multi-disciplinary collaborations with internal R&D groups as well as the company’s external partners to accelerate the scale-up of our materials development process, from the benchtop to the pilot and demonstration levels.
Responsibilities
Lead planning and execution of workflows for polymeric materials testing as per ISO method following existing and new protocols for biorenewable materials, generating reliable data sets.
Ensure and optimize the test process, new method development and validation to enhance the quality testing & productivity for both incoming raw materials and final product.
Manage and supervise analytical and quality workflows of a 2-4 member team
Lead hands-on setup, execution, and clean-up of bench- & pilot-scale quality testing equipment for proof-of-concept experiments and benchmarking studies designed to meet project milestones and product specifications.
Sampling and sample processing, in addition to establishing new approaches for evaluating process streams aligned with our commercially scalable R&D pilot processes to produce our first-of-its-kind bioproduct.
Manage the coordination and shipment of samples to third-party testing labs or vendors with managing the data organization.
Prepare and organize documentation, training, and QA/QC data analysis.
Build and implement the Quality Management System (QMS).
Routinely interface with the Downstream Processing and Analytical Groups, and also collaborate with vendors and CMO partners.
Interface with the company’s data management system to record process- & material-based data and implement statistical analyses on large data sets.
Support the maintenance of the company’s processing technologies via hands-on equipment troubleshooting and repair.
Participate and contribute ideas in group and project meetings or with other internal and external stakeholders.
Assists with basic technical document revision.
Supports scientists or engineers for projects/publication/ patents to the development of ZymoChem’s IP strategy and portfolio toward expanding the company’s market position.
Work in accordance with health and safety guidelines and company policies.
Qualifications
BS or MS degree with 5 to 7 years of industrial/startup experience working directly with Quality testing is needed
Hands-on expertise in the analysis and testing of materials is needed for this position.
Experience working with super absorbent polymeric materials is highly desired
Previous experience leading Material Quality workflows is highly desired
Strong aptitude for hands-on work with equipment along with a rigorous attention to detail with experimental design, execution, and recordkeeping
Excellent time management skills, effective with multitasking, and an adept ability to improvise work plans while maintaining efficiency
Capability and willingness to work extended days, off-peak hours, and weekends
Department Specific Preferred Qualifications:
Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA)
Prior Change Control experience and capable of adopting testing methodologies change and take adequate control and documentation
Experience with quality testing on manufacturing operations
Prior industrial work; familiarity with scripting tools such as Python and R and data management tools and LIMS experience
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 pay range is $100,000 to $130,000 per year, 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 website job posting.
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.
Powered by JazzHR