Research Associate - Chemistry

Department: R&D - Nucleic Acid (DNA/RNA)
Location: Tustin, CA

Job Summary:  

Zymo Research is looking for a dynamic individual to join our Chemistry Research Team! In this role, you will play a vital part in chemical synthesis for early research projects and the development phase of chemical processes. Utilizing your skills and expertise in organic chemistry techniques, you will maintain and operate laboratory equipment, perform molecular assays, and contribute to high-level scientific research activities. Your contributions will ensure the delivery of high-quality results and drive advancements in our research projects. 

Join us and make a meaningful impact!  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

  • Perform chemical synthesis for early research projects and for the development phase of chemical processes. 
  • Maintain equipment in a chemical synthesis laboratory such as but not limited to: HPLC, UV/Vis, fluorimeter, FTIR, inert atmosphere glove box, vacuum pumps. 
  • Perform various molecular assays and conduct complex, high-level scientific research activities. 
  • Maintain laboratory notebook as an up-to-date detailed log of experiments and ongoing research efforts. 
  • Interface with principal investigator to analyze experiments. 
  • Optimize experimental procedures and update current SOPs. 
  • Develop and write project protocols and methodology for developed research components. 
  • Interface with manufacturing on current and pilot scale manufacturing. Troubleshoot new pilot processes. 
  • Contribute to the organization and inventory systems of the laboratory. 
  • Present project updates at meetings with the principal investigator. 
  • Maintain a current knowledge of the literature and emerging trends in the discipline 
  • Read scientific literature pertaining to project and apply relevant findings to research project. 
  • Light manufacturing duties may include assembly of buffers for ZRC kits, aliquoting reagents, and performing quality control tests for our kits and products. 
  • Contribute and edit scientific content for newsletters, marketing efforts, and other related material. 

Education and Experience: 

  • A BS or an MS degree, with a minimum of two years of post-graduate laboratory experience in Chemistry or Materials Science. 
  • Experience performing organic chemistry techniques. 
  • Experience with common chemical safety protocols and procedures in the laboratory. 
  • A proven track record of designing, executing, analyzing, and trouble laboratory experiments. 
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Office products. 
  • Organic synthetic and analytical techniques including but not limited to: 
  • Small molecule and polymer synthesis from milligram scale to 100+ gram scale 
  • Schlenk line techniques. 
  • Glove box operation and maintenance. 
  • HPLC, UV/Vis, FTIR, NMR, mass spectrometry, and other common characterization techniques. 

About Us: 

Since its inception in 1994, Zymo Research has been proudly serving the scientific community by providing innovative, reliable, and high-quality research tools and products. Whether it's DNA, RNA, epigenetics, microbiomics, protein, or yeast-based research, our philosophy remains the same: To provide the highest quality products in the industry while ensuring they are both simple to use and reliable in their performance.  

Recognized as a Top Workplace by the Orange County Register in 2021, 2022, and named a Top Workplace USA in 2023, Zymo Research continues to be a vibrant community where employees thrive, feel connected, and are inspired by their work. If you are passionate about contributing to scientific advancement and want to be part of an exceptional team in a dynamic, growing company, we'd love to hear from you! 

Compensation:  

The estimated base compensation range for this position is $65,000 to $75,000 per year at the time of posting. Actual compensation details will be provided in writing at the time of offer, if applicable, and is based on several factors we believe fairly and accurately impact compensation, including geographic location, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and other job permitted factors. 

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer:  

Zymo Research welcomes candidates of all backgrounds. These include sex, age, color, race, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, physical & mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, or any other protected status as defined by federal, state, or local law. 

Location:  

Onsite – Zymo Research Operations – 2961 Dow Ave. Tustin, CA 92780 

Fill out my online form.