Analytical Chemist/Scientist
Houston, TX
The Company
Cemvita is a pioneer in carbon utilization to produce sustainable industrial products. Cemvita was founded in 2017 and has developed BioSolutions for the conversion of carbon waste (including carbon dioxide) into feedstocks for sustainable aviation fuel, specialty chemicals, and protein for animal feed. Our carbon-reducing technologies are core to our passion for a net-zero economy. Key Cemvita business partners include United Airlines and OXY.
The Opportunity
The Analytical Chemist will carry out routine and non-routine GC and HPLC analyses in support of the fermentation and downstream teams, reporting to the VP of Industrial Biotechnology. Therefore, we’re seeking a team member with strong analytical chemistry/chromatography experience to develop, manage and interpret assay quality specifications for a wide range of samples and analytes. In this position, you’ll have the opportunity to innovate, design and lead analytical projects, interact with diverse stakeholders, and more.
Responsibilities
Operate our in-house liquid/gas chromatography methods for quantitative and qualitative analysis of target analytes
Transfer, develop and validate sample preparation and analytical quantification methods for chemical analytes within fermentation and downstream samples using analytical methods such as LC-UV, LC-RID, GC-FID, GC-MS, (LC-MS)
Monitor, analyze, and characterize in-process and (semi-) finished product samples in support of small-scale and pilot-scale fermentation and downstream processing, make sure that data is returned in a timely manner.
Continuously monitor and improve analytical assay performance and optimize method condition parameters to address frequent change in sample matrix composition and analyte type concentrations
Maintain analytical instruments and associated maintenance logs, troubleshooting instrument malfunctions as needed
Designs systems for routine monitoring of assay performance ensuring consistent reporting of dependable data, backed by statistical rigor while meting expected turnaround times and quality specs
Maintain analytical instruments and associated maintenance logs, troubleshooting instrument malfunctions as needed
Balance work request across multiple projects according to company priorities, adaptable to change
Consistently demonstrate company core values
Requirements
MS or BS in (Analytical) Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering, or a related field
MS 2+ and BS 4+ years of industrial work experience analytical chemistry; experience in biotech is a plus
In-depth understanding of chromatographic principles
Strong hands-on wet chemistry skills and sample preparation knowledge (preferably in a biotech start-up environment), basic statistical analysis, laboratory record-keeping, and data presentation are required.
Specific experience with Agilent instruments and Agilent OpenLab CDS and Agilent MassHunter software and the ability to critically analyze chromatographic results and quantitatively assess data is preferred.
Hands-on experience/proven record of method development including sample prep and troubleshooting hardware and software
Expert level understanding of analytical assay qualification using a systematic approach to identify factors that may influence overall data quality.
Ability to successfully perform in a fast-paced, high-intensity R&D work environment
Must be able to demonstrate a very high level of flexibility and be a quick learner - open to adopting new methods and techniques quickly
Team player committed to success and getting the job done well who is approachable, solutions-oriented and able to maintain composure
Nice to have
Prior biotech startup experience.
Prior experience in preparation and analysis of fermentation broth samples
Hands-on experience in Agilent OpenLab CDS and Agilent MassHunter Software is highly desirable
Experience in authoring SOPs, validation reports, and certificates of analysis (COAs)
Ability to work after hours and/or on weekends occasionally, as needed
Experience working with biochemistry analyzers
What We Offer
Competitive compensation packages that include bonus and equity
Generous paid time off, sick time, and paid holidays.
Medical, dental, vision, disability insurance.
401k with company match.
Cemvita Core Values
Keeping each other safe
Growth-minded
Innovative
Resilient
Solutions-oriented
Versatile