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Associate Scientist, Chemistry

Willow Biosciences

Associate Scientist, Chemistry

Mountain View, CA
Full Time
Paid
  • Responsibilities

    About Willow Biosciences:

    Willow Biosciences is a synthetic biology company focused on the development of biobased processes to produce ingredients, including those for consumer care, food & beverage, and pharmaceuticals. Our scientists engineer organisms to produce plant-, animal-, and petrochemical-derived ingredients through precision fermentation. Our fully integrated processes are more sustainable, secure, and cost-effective than traditional extraction or chemical synthesis routes and typically provide final products in higher purity.

    Mission, Values, and Beliefs

    It is rewarding to work at a company where people genuinely believe in what they are doing. At Willow Biosciences, we are committed to bringing high-purity compounds to market through scalable and cost-effective bio-based processes. We work hard, we are serious about what we do, and we like to have fun while we are at it!

    Position: Associate Scientist, Chemistry :

    We are seeking an Associate Scientist, Chemistry to develop methods for the detection and isolation of biosynthetically produced natural products. This individual will have a strong chemistry or biochemistry background and in-depth knowledge of organic chemistry principles such as thermodynamics and kinetics, as well as familiarity with biosynthetic processes and experience with analytical techniques.

    Education: BSc/MSc in chemistry, biochemistry, or a related field with 0-2 years of related work experience.

    Location: Mountain View, CA US

    Job Description:

    • Design and carry out experiments in medium-throughput
    • Extraction and isolation of natural products from complex matrices
    • Development of scalable downstream processing routes
    • Structural characterization of biosynthetically derived molecules and evaluation of its purity
    • Design, establish and validate scalable and safe chemical processes leading to pharmaceutical intermediates, APIs, and other value-added chemical products
    • Synthesis of organic substrates, intermediates, and products as required
    • Development and use of analytical techniques as required
    • Proper record-keeping and data analysis
    • Preparation of documentation for tech transfer of chemical processes
    • Effectively communicate/present work and analysis to audiences with diverse technical backgrounds.
    • Offer strategic recommendations based on the interpretation of data for strain engineering/fermentation process decisions
    • Evaluate innovative technologies that will further advance/enable project goals

    Required Skills:

    • The candidate should have extensive knowledge of organic chemistry principles (chirality, catalysis, kinetics, thermodynamics, mechanism, synthesis) in addition to strong organic chemistry skills (chemical handling, purification, and analysis)
    • Knowledge and use of analytical instrumentation (HPLC, GC, MS)
    • Understanding of process chemistry (reaction up-scaling, safety, and downstream processing)
    • Knowledge and ability to solve the structures of unknown compounds
    • Relevant full-time biotech or pharmaceutical industry experience within R&D or manufacturing is a plus
    • Knowledge of biosynthetic pathways and enzymology is a plus
    • Other requirements: the ability to work in a highly parallel manner, ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team; critical thinking and attention to detail; ability to plan, prioritize responsibilities, and multi-task; excellent housekeeping and safety practices; outstanding team player with strong interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal), excellent documentation, and organization skills; a strong desire to grow as a scientific researcher, learn new techniques and adopt new technologies for process improvements, experience working with LIMS
    • Performing repetitive tasks with hands, fingers, and wrists
    • Use of standard lab PPE (lab coats, safety glasses, and gloves)

    Physical Demands:

    • Remaining in a seated or standing position for extended periods

    Position Type: Full-time position

    Travel: Not required

    Work Authorization : Authorized to work in the US.

    Benefits:

    • Competitive salary package, 401k, healthcare benefits, medical, vision & dental
    • Paid vacation and company holidays
    • Life / AD&D, Short-term and Long-term Disability Insurance
    • Opportunities for professional development
    • Snacks, weekly lunch, company, and team-wide social events

    Equal Opportunity Employment

    Willow Biosciences is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or any other applicable legally protected characteristics. All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit, and business need.