Project Manager

About ZymoChem

ZymoChem is breakthrough science for a fossil-free future.  We accelerate the transition to a real-zero economy by developing bio-based materials for everyday products.  Our platform is powered by proprietary carbon conserving (C²) microbes that convert renewable feedstocks into high-value materials while radically minimizing CO₂ loss during the production phase.  

ZymoChem recently closed a $21 million Series A round of fundraising to support the launch of our first high-performance material and to advance our first partnered product to commercial scale.  In addition to this funding from premier domestic & international venture capital firms, we are also supported by existing revenues from commercial partnerships with world-leading companies and funding from multiple government awards, including a 2023 $4MM grant from the Department of Energy. 

With a plan to double our team in 2024-25, we seek candidates who are motivated by science & innovation and have a passion to push the boundaries of materials performance.  We are collaborative, multidisciplinary, and relentlessly committed to creating a chemicals, materials, and products industry in tune with the 21st century. 

Our Mission: To catalyze a real-zero economy with drop-in, bio-based solutions.

Our Vision: To live in a world in which the goods we depend on every day are bio-manufactured from 100% renewable materials and designed for a sustainable economy - without compromise.

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

Position Summary

ZymoChem is hiring a Project Manager who will work with scientific and technical teams in the planning and execution of project(s), including all aspects from the initial establishment of product requirements to evaluation of finished products. The person in this role will be responsible for working with stakeholders to understand the project requirements, and will be involved with creating, detailing, and testing new concepts, designs, and technologies for the next generation products. This position will report to the Technical Program Manager. 

Responsibilities

• Manages external Contract Manufacturing Organizations (CMO) projects through Statement of Work (SOW) contracts and builds out cross-functional project plans with internal technical subject matter experts, legal, and finance teams, as required to define project scope and budget.  
• Coordinate Technology Transfer with CMOs by organizing documentation, maintaining consistent communication, and tracking action items.
• Works with leadership and team members to create, manage and integrate a cross-functional schedule for each project and ensure team consensus is maintained.
• Manages on-time delivery of project milestones through oversight of technical execution, prioritization of tasks resource and budget management, balancing critical path activities, and risk management.      
• Facilitates project meetings, including scheduling, sending out agendas, writing/distributing meeting summaries, managing team documentation, and tracking goals and action items. 
• Assist with monitoring task completion, schedule slips, and program risks; and proactively adjusts project resourcing and timelines to balance product quality, time-to-market options, and overall project goals. 
• Evaluates project management tools and leads implementation of selected tools throughout the team/company.
• Develops and executes a communication plan to keep all internal and external stakeholders up to date with respect to technical progress and deliverables, resource utilization, and project priorities and timelines.  
• Clearly communicates changing priorities to stakeholders.
• Supports leadership decisions by providing information on projects that maximize utilization of resources, increase efficiency, and increase likelihood of success.

Qualifications 

• Requires Bachelor’s or preferably Masters degree in life sciences, biotechnology, chemical engineering, materials engineering, biochemical engineering or related discipline. 
• At least 2 years previous work experience in an industrial biotech setting or start-up environment. Minimum of 1 years of project management experience.  
• A PMP certification or equivalent project management certification is strongly preferred. 
• Experience with project management tools like Agile Scrum, Asana, MS Project, or Smartsheets, and modifying them for a fast moving, dynamic organization is preferred.
• Ability to act proactively, independently, and with a high degree of adaptability
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills among many stakeholders and levels in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong computer skills including MS Office, Google Suite, and familiarity with Zoom, Visio, and Slack preferred.
• Excellent time management skills, effective with multitasking, and an adept ability to improvise work plans while maintaining efficiency.
• Exposure to fermentation and downstream processing operations for producing, purifying, and modifying targeted compounds.
• Experience with coordinating technology transfer of a detailed process to an external stakeholder for production at their facility.
• Keen sense for both physical (lab) and data-oriented organization
• Ability to safely move up to 15 lbs between locations.
• Ability to follow safety protocols and procedures.

Culture and Benefits

ZymoChem offers full-time employees a competitive base salary, a comprehensive benefits package, and a company culture that’s collaborative, multidisciplinary, and committed to a big vision for positively impacting the world. We seek candidates who are motivated by our mission and are equally passionate toward pushing the boundaries to build a sustainable future. Located in the vibrant East Bay area of San Francisco, our headquarters are housed at Gate 510, a state-of-the-facility with many in-house and nearby amenities.

Full-time opportunities at ZymoChem come with: 

• Competitive salary range of $76,000 to $106,000 depending on experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package includes company stock options, 401(k) retirement plan (includes a corporate match), medical, dental, and vision healthcare coverage, and life and long-term disability insurance.
• Additional benefits include FSA, commuter, and supplemental life insurance.
• Flexible time off policy with 18 days Paid Time Off (PTO) per year and 10 paid company holidays per year.
• Relocation assistance may be agreed upon as well.

If this opportunity sounds exciting and aligns with your career aspirations, we want to hear from you!  Please send your resume/CV and a cover letter through our website job posting.

Legal authorization to work in the United States is required. ZymoChem may agree to sponsor an individual for an employment visa immediately or in the future if there is a shortage of individuals with particular skills for this job.  In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.