Sr Research Associate/ Scientist, Enzyme Development

ZymoChem • San Leandro, CA

9d • $110,000 - $140,000 • Onsite

About The Position

ZymoChem is pioneering breakthrough science for a fossil-free future. We are building bio-based materials that make everyday products better for people and the planet, accelerating the world’s transition to a true zero-carbon economy.
Backed by $65M in funding from global leaders including lululemon, Toyota Ventures, Breakout Ventures, and major U.S. government agencies (DOE, DOD), ZymoChem is scaling rapidly. With our Series B anticipated in early 2026, we are expanding across all teams to accelerate the commercialization of our products.
At ZymoChem, our culture is rooted in curiosity, innovation, and collaboration. We tackle complex scientific challenges with determination and succeed because of the strength of our diverse, multidisciplinary teams working toward a bold mission. As a Certified B Corporation and Public Benefit Corporation, we hold ourselves accountable not only to scientific and commercial excellence, but also to creating measurable impact for people and the planet. If you are motivated by advancing science, addressing climate-scale challenges, and shaping the future of sustainable materials, ZymoChem offers the opportunity to make a lasting difference.
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

Requirements

• BS, MS, PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, (Bio)chemical Engineering, or related field.
• 1-6+ years of relevant industrial experience. Leveling dependent on overall experience between education and work experience.
• Solid knowledge of biochemistry, enzyme mechanisms, and reaction dynamics.
• Strong basic molecular biology skills for cloning (PCR, Gibson, Golden Gate, etc.).
• Experience in protein purification, biophysical characterization and enzyme kinetic characterization.
• Experience developing new assays and / or troubleshooting existing ones.
• Experience developing and executing screens & selections for collections of proteins (low-, med-, or high-throughput).
• Strong data analysis skills. Ability to integrate a lot of disparate data into a coherent picture, and plan experiments to test hypotheses.
• Rigorous attention to detail in experimental design, execution, variability, and reproducibility.
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills – ability to communicate to experts and non-experts with different expertise in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent time management skills, effective with multitasking, and an adept ability to improvise work plans while maintaining efficiency.
• Ability to safely move up to 25 lbs between locations.
• Ability to follow safety protocols and procedures.
• Legal authorization to work in the United States is required.

Nice To Haves

• Experience making medium or large libraries.
• Experience connecting sequence, structure, and function with SOTA computational tools (Eg. Rosetta, Schrodinger BioLuminate, etc.).
• Experience sifting through large databases (eg. NCBI, metagenomic databases) to identify candidate enzymes.
• Experience building protocols for lab automation (BioMek, Opentrons, etc.).
• Experience translating enzyme engineering goals to improve productivity in strains and fermentations.

Responsibilities

• Own the execution of enzyme characterization and engineering campaigns – primarily in the lab, but also with computational tools.
• Become familiar with Zymochem’s standard workflows for protein characterization and engineering.
• Owning the DBTL cycle for your own projects, with guidance and mentorship from the broader team.
• Design DNA library that will be used in the protein engineering campaign by connecting sequence-structure-function with computational tools.
• Library construction, cloning, and QC.
• Testing proteins, including both library screening and protein purification + characterization.
• Developing and refining high-throughput screens.
• Using Automation to improve assay throughput.
• Integrating the data from the protein engineering & characterization into testable insights to inform further improvements.
• Collaborating with Biology, Strain engineering and Fermentation teams to apply those insights to improve strain productivity.
• Perform research with experimental rigor and communicate the findings clearly.
• Gather and analyze data, discuss with team members to develop next steps and new ideas, and present findings to the broader team.
• Clearly document and maintain laboratory notebooks and computer documentation and protocols.
• Research, read, comprehend, and summarize relevant scientific literature to support work, contribute to optimization of projects and to explore new technologies or strategies for improvement.
• Participate and contribute ideas in group and project meetings or with other internal and external stakeholders.
• Assist with basic technical document revision and support scientists or engineers for projects, publications, and patents.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Benefits

• Competitive pay range of $110,000-140,000 based on experience.
• Company stock options
• 401(k) retirement plan (traditional and Roth) with up to 4% company match
• 100% Employee coverage on base medical, dental, and vision plans and up to 80% dependent coverage.
• Life and long-term disability insurance.
• FSA, commuter, and supplemental life insurance.
• Flexible time off policy with 18 days Paid Time Off (PTO) per year and 11 paid company holidays per year.
• Relocation assistance may be agreed upon as well.
• Monthly Team all-hands and social events.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree