Scientist/Senior Scientist, Chemistry

Evolutia Bio is a leading biotechnology company focused on revolutionizing industrial manufacturing of pure, consistent, and sustainable ingredients. Evolutia Bio's team has a proven track record of developing and commercializing bio-based manufacturing processes and products to benefit our partners and their customers.

Position: Scientist/Senior Scientist, Chemistry

We are seeking a Scientist or Senior Scientist with expertise in process chemistry, biocatalysis and fermentation process development to design, develop, and optimize biobased manufacturing processes for high‑value ingredients. The ideal candidate has a strong organic chemistry foundation combined with hands‑on experience in creating scale down models of commercial processes in chemistry, microbial fermentation, bioconversion, and downstream purification.

This role will work across chemistry, fermentation, engineering, and analytical teams to advance processes from the bench through pilot scale.

Location: Sunnyvale, CA, USA

Education: PhD or equivalent in chemistry, biochemistry, or a related field with 2 plus years related work experience.

Job Description:

• Design and execute biocatalytic and bioconversion reactions at bench scale
• Develop scale down models of commercial processes.
• Develop scalable fermentation strategies including media optimization, feed strategies, and process control for biosynthesis
• Develop and refine downstream purification workflows (extraction, filtration, crystallization, chromatography)
• Collaborate with analytical chemistry team to implement different techniques for evaluation of purity and identification of potential impurities
• Collaborate with assay team to implement designed processes in high throughput screening and evaluate engineered enzymes and strains at bench scale
• Offer strategic recommendations for enzyme and strain engineering
• Synthesis of organic substrates, intermediates, and products as required
• Proper record-keeping and data analysis
• Preparation of technology transfer documents for scale up to pilot and manufacturing scale
• Work closely with manufacturing organizations for scale up of internal processes
• Effectively communicate/present work and analysis to audiences with diverse technical backgrounds.
• Mentor research associates/associate scientists

Required Skills:

• Strong knowledge of organic chemistry principles (e.g., chirality, catalysis, kinetics, thermodynamics, mechanism, synthesis) in addition to strong organic chemistry skills (e.g., chemical handling, purification, and analysis)
• Experience using analytical instrumentation (e.g., UPLC, GC, MS)
• Experience and knowledge characterizing unknown compounds
• Understanding of process chemistry (e.g., reaction up-scaling, safety, and downstream processing)
• Understanding of microbial fermentation processes and biosynthesis
• Experience developing enzyme-based chemical processes (e.g., biocatalysis, bioconversions) is a plus

Physical Demands:

• Remaining in a seated or standing position for extended periods
• Performing repetitive tasks with hands, fingers, and wrists
• Use of standard lab PPE (lab coats, safety glasses and gloves)

Position Type: Full-time position

Travel: Periodic travel (<10%) to piloting and manufacturing sites

Work Authorization:

• Authorized to work in the US at time of employment
• No VISA sponsorship available for this role

Benefits:

• Competitive salary package
• 401k Account Management
• Healthcare benefits (medical, vision & dental)
• 4 week accrued paid time off /vacation and company holidays
• Life / AD&D, Short-term and Long-term Disability Insurance
• Opportunities for professional development

Equal Opportunity Employment: Evolutia Bio an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based upon 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 needs.