About Willow Biosciences: Willow Biosciences is a synthetic biology company focused on the development of bio-based processes for manufacturing ingredients, including those for consumer care, food & beverage, and pharmaceuticals. 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: Scientist or Senior Scientist, Chemistry: We are seeking a Scientist or Senior Scientist, Chemistry to develop biobased processes for manufacturing high value ingredients. This individual will have a strong organic chemistry background, experience developing biocatalytic and bioconversion processes, and in-depth knowledge of techniques for purification and analysis of target compounds.

Location: Sunnyvale, CA, USA

Education:  PhD 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 scalable bio-based processes for both bioconversion and isolation and purification steps
• 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 and fermentation process decisions
• Structural characterization of biosynthetically derived molecules and evaluation of 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
• Work closely with manufacturing organizations for scale up of internal processes
• Effectively communicate/present work and analysis to audiences with diverse technical backgrounds.
• Evaluate innovative technologies that will further advance/enable project goals
• Mentor research associates/associate scientists

Required Skills:

• Experience developing enzyme-based chemical processes (e.g., biocatalysis, bioconversions)
• 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)
• Knowledge using analytical instrumentation (e.g., HPLC, GC, MS)
• Knowledge and ability to solve the structures of unknown compounds
• Understanding of process chemistry (e.g., reaction up-scaling, safety, and downstream processing)
• Knowledge of biosynthetic pathways 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:  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

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 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 need.