Scientist - Chemistry

C

Cascade Bio

Scientist - Chemistry

Denver, CO
Full Time
Paid
  • Responsibilities

    Job Description

    Cascade Bio is seeking an innovative and self-driven Scientist to join our early-stage startup. In this role, you will be responsible for synthesizing and characterizing Cascade's Body Armor for Enzymes™ polymer brush technology. This position offers the opportunity to shape polymer design strategy, scale our technology, and collaborate cross-functionally to drive product performance and scalability.

    We're looking for a Scientist who embodies our core values: an obsession with delivering top-caliber products to customers, active curiosity, consistent communication, and an inherent assumption of goodwill. The ideal candidate shares Cascade's vision of empowering enzymes to disrupt the chemical industry and is motivated to translate cutting-edge polymer science into impactful, sustainable technology.

    Responsibilities

    • Develop the design, synthesis, and optimization of Cascade's Body Armor for Enzymes™ polymers using advanced polymerization methods (e.g., controlled radical polymerization).
    • Synthesize new monomers for enhanced stability of immobilized enzymes.
    • Analyze Cascade's Body Armor for Enzymes™ using analytical techniques such as FTIR, Raman, TGA, and other relevant methods.
    • As an early hire at a startup, you must be able to adapt to rapidly evolving project needs and fast paced project timelines.
    • Collaborate across teams to scale our commercial products from lab to commercial scale.
    • Identify and resolve technical challenges in process optimization and reproducibility.
    • Mentor and guide Research Associates on experimental design, data analysis, and best practices.
    • Contribute to project planning, strategy discussions, and technical decision-making.
    • Prepare and present detailed reports, SOPs, and technical summaries to cross-functional teams and leadership.

    Qualifications

    • Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, or Chemical Engineering with 3-5 + years of startup, industry or research experience in material characterization, polymer chemistry, or related disciplines.
    • Proven track record in polymer synthesis and characterization. Experience with controlled radical polymerization (e.g., ATRP, RAFT) and surface modification techniques is a plus.
    • Strong analytical background in polymer characterization tools (FTIR, Raman, TGA).
    • Experience with process development and scale-up.
    • Prior experience in an early stage startup or fast-paced R&D environment.
    • Proactive approach to troubleshooting experimental issues and proposing innovative solutions.
    • Strong teamwork skills with the ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.
    • Excellent organizational, documentation, and communication skills.
    • Knowledge of laboratory safety protocols and commitment to maintaining a safe working environment

    About Cascade Biocatalysts

    At Cascade Biocatalysts, we are commercializing our Body Armor for Enzymes™ technology, an advanced polymer material that enhances enzyme stability and reliability for cost-effective biomanufacturing. Join us in revolutionizing sustainable chemical manufacturing through the power of enzymes and polymers. Your contributions will help create a greener and more sustainable future.

    Cascade Biocatalysts is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and encourage diversity in the workplace and strongly encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

    Salary Range: $80,000-$120,000