Polymer Chemist / Scientist I

22h22 hours ago

Cellanome

Foster City, US · Full-time · $99,000 – $148,000

About this role

We’re a well-funded start-up where you’ll wear many hats, join a growing team, and have potential for exciting financial and career growth. The Scientist I reports to the Principal Polymer Chemist and designs and executes polymer synthesis and characterization studies. This supports development and commercialization of novel materials.

You’ll develop new polymer formulations, optimize synthetic routes, and advance understanding of structure–property relationships. Daily work involves troubleshooting synthesis issues and conducting characterization using GPC, NMR, FTIR, DSC, TGA, rheology, and microscopy. Analyze results to propose data-driven next steps.

Collaborate across the R&D organization to translate lab discoveries into scalable materials and products. Participate in defining material specifications and testing protocols. Join a world-class team tackling biology’s biggest challenges with next-generation technologies.

This unique opportunity lets you build within an exciting start-up. Be surrounded by super capable, humble, down-to-earth humans. Passionately unravel biology’s complexities while contributing to innovation and intellectual property.

Requirements

Proficiency in polymer synthesis techniques and optimization of reaction conditions
Hands-on experience with polymer characterization methods including GPC, NMR, FTIR, DSC, TGA, rheology, and microscopy
Ability to interpret structure–property relationships from experimental data
Capability to work in a cleanroom environment with personal protective equipment
Physical ability to lift up to 20 lbs for approximately 10% of typical working day
Dexterity to grasp with both hands, pinch with thumb and forefinger, and reach above shoulder height
Comfort working in front of a computer screen and typing for approximately 90% of typical working day
Availability for up to 5% travel and occasional work outside core hours including evenings and weekends

Responsibilities

Design and execute polymer synthesis experiments to develop new materials or improve existing formulations
Develop and optimize synthetic routes, reaction conditions, and purification processes to achieve targeted polymer architectures and properties
Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to polymer synthesis
Conduct detailed characterization of polymers using techniques such as GPC, NMR, FTIR, DSC, TGA, rheology, and microscopy
Analyze experimental results, interpret structure–property relationships, and propose next steps based on data-driven conclusions
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support scale-up and ensure reproducibility and quality of polymer production
Prepare technical reports, presentations, and documentation to communicate findings and recommendations
Follow laboratory safety protocols and maintain a clean and organized work environment

Benefits

Join a well-funded start-up with potential for exciting financial and career growth
Wear many hats as part of a growing team
Work with a world-class team of engineers, scientists, team builders, and problem solvers
Be surrounded by capable, humble, and down-to-earth humans
Build and innovate in an exciting start-up tackling biology's biggest challenges