Research Associate, Biology

About the Company

ZymoChem is developing bio-based materials and scientific solutions aimed at replacing fossil-derived products and supporting a lower-carbon future. The company is scaling quickly with significant backing from global investors and U.S. government agencies, and it is preparing for another major funding milestone in early 2026.

The organization operates with a culture centered on curiosity, teamwork, and scientific innovation. It is a Certified B Corporation and Public Benefit Corporation, which reflects a commitment to measurable benefit for both people and the planet, alongside strong scientific and commercial outcomes.

Mission: To accelerate a real-zero economy through drop-in, bio-based solutions.

Vision: To help create a world where everyday goods are made from fully renewable, bio-manufactured materials designed for sustainability without sacrificing performance.

Values: Lead with Compassion, Aspire Collectively, Evolve Continuously, Innovate with Impact, Scale Sustainably.

Role Overview

ZymoChem is seeking a Research Associate in strain engineering and biology to support a growing R&D organization. This position is focused on metabolic pathway development, strain improvement, and technical execution in a fast-moving, milestone-driven environment.

The role offers exposure to enzyme development, strain analysis, automated screening workflows, and experimental design. It also involves helping strengthen the strain development function through modern tools and close collaboration with teams in analytics and fermentation.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and run experiments, refine protocols, and analyze data with an emphasis on strain characterization and improving TRY performance for small-molecule production.
• Apply molecular and synthetic biology methods to build plasmids, strains, and enzymes that support pathway optimization and characterization work.
• Create and manage high-throughput microbial culture processes for ongoing screening of newly developed strains.
• Support enzyme testing through both in vitro and in vivo assay work.
• Maintain accurate records in the company’s data management platform for strain- and enzyme-related information.
• Work closely with molecular biology, fermentation, and analytics teams to keep projects moving efficiently.
• Help keep the strain development group running smoothly by preparing sterile supplies, reagents, and media, and by tracking chemicals and consumable inventory.
• Take on additional related tasks as needed.

Requirements

• Master’s degree or Bachelor’s degree in biochemical engineering, bioengineering, biochemistry, molecular biology, microbiology, or a closely related field.
• One to five years of relevant experience in a laboratory, industrial, or startup environment is preferred for the associate level; the exact level will depend on experience and department needs.
• Strong background in bacterial physiology and microbial culture work related to biosynthetic pathway development and characterization; experience with other industrial microorganisms is an advantage.
• Practical experience with synthetic biology and strain engineering methods such as PCR, Gibson assembly, restriction digestion, ligation, and homologous recombination.
• Experience with protein expression, purification, and enzyme assay workflows.
• Careful experimental approach with strong attention to detail, reproducibility, noise/variability, and documentation.
• Strong organizational ability in both physical lab spaces and data handling.
• Good time management, multitasking ability, and flexibility to adjust plans while staying productive.

Compensation and Benefits

This is a full-time role with a salary range of $80,000 to $114,000 depending on experience.

Benefits include company stock options, a 401(k) plan with traditional and Roth options plus up to a 4% employer match, and medical, dental, and vision coverage paid at 100% for employees, with up to 80% dependent coverage. Life insurance and long-term disability coverage are also provided.

Additional perks include FSA options, commuter benefits, supplemental life insurance, a flexible time off policy, 18 PTO days per year, 11 paid company holidays, possible relocation support, and monthly all-hands meetings and social events.

Eligibility and Application Notes

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The company may sponsor an employment visa now or later if there is a shortage of candidates with the required skills. All hires must complete identity and work authorization verification as required by federal law.

Candidates are expected to submit a resume or CV along with a cover letter.