Chief Technology Officer

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

The Chief Technology Officer (CTO)  will oversee the company’s science, engineering and technology strategies as it relates to product R&D, scale-up, and commercialization.  This is a leadership opportunity to produce bio-based materials and products that will disrupt traditional fossil-based industries and revolutionize everyday products.  The CTO will lead the internal efforts for scale-up and commercialization while interfacing externally as the technology expert with our strategic partners to push our science and engineering technology to the next level of bio-based manufacturing.  The CTO will serve as the connection between the company’s internal technology process development and commercialization and the external partners by summarizing complex technical information from several disciplinaries (biology, chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, business development) to balance between internal efficiencies and successes and optimize external technology development and milestones.

Responsibilities

• Establish technical commercialization and manufacturing strategies in collaboration with R&D leadership and external partners. 
• Be the technology voice and expert for the company's strategic partnerships, business development and investors.
• Translate business decisions into clear action plans for technology and product teams and measure execution, manage resources, and de-risk challenges.
• Collaborate with the leadership team on research and development, operations and finance, product branding and development, manufacturing, and business development to meet company goals.
• Lead and manage the teams and efforts for the company’s technology development and commercialization.
• Evaluate and implement new systems and infrastructure for technology advancements.
• Collaborate closely with the CEO to align the company's technology roadmap and business vision.
• Other related responsibilities as needed

Qualifications 

• PhD or MS in (Bio)chemical Engineering, (Bio)chemistry, Molecular Biology or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 15 years biotech industry experience developing technical and scientific expertise. 
• A minimum of 8 years managing a department and building out business strategy. 
• Experience with scale-up, transition from R&D to manufacturing, and commercialization of new products. 
• Experience partnering with business development leadership, CMOs, and external strategic partners.
• Knowledge of technological trends to build strategy and conduct technological analysis and research.
• Excellent communicator, able to communicate technical information and negotiate business partnerships with a variety of stakeholders. 
• Comfortable working in a very dynamic start-up or small company environment and demonstrated passion for our mission, vision and values.
• Strong organizational, analytical, writing and presentation skills.

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 of $200,0000 to $280,000 per year 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.