What are the responsibilities and job description for the Analytical Chemist position at ZwitterCo?
Overview of Role
ZwitterCo is announcing an immediate opening for an Analytical Chemist seeking a high-impact, collaborative role in a rapidly expanding business. The candidate will play a key role in the development and characterization of ZwitterCo’s breakthrough membranes. Candidates with experience in analytical characterization targeted towards organic and/or polymer chemistry, membrane science, and/or materials development are particularly encouraged to apply.
About ZwitterCo
ZwitterCo has developed a breakthrough in materials science, a new class of zwitterionic membranes with unprecedented fouling resistance, making it practical to filter challenging water, wastewater, and process streams. Our products are recognized as the premier tools for reusing wastewater, bringing new and impaired water resources into circulation, and maximizing efficiency in food and ingredient separations.
ZwitterCo was named Global Water Intelligence’s 2023 Breakthrough Water Technology Company of the Year and Fast Company’s Top Innovators of 2024. The company has commercial operations in numerous food and beverage, agricultural, and industrial sectors around the world and continues to advance its technology platform to unlock broader water, wastewater, and process applications.
Responsibilities
This role will intersect with R&D, Operations, and Commercial Engineering groups and report to the Director of Research and Development. As the company grows, this reporting structure may change.
- Proven track record of method development, validation, and troubleshooting in a laboratory setting
- Provide mentorship and technical leadership to staff across the R&D group, including eventual managerial responsibilities for junior staff
- Polymer batch characterization for molecular weight distribution, polymer purity, and other material properties
- Assist the general R&D team in developing structure-property-performance relationships that guide future experimentation and research directives
- Keep analytical instrumentation in good working order via maintenance, calibration, and software updates
- Strong understanding of regulatory requirements and industry standards related to analytical chemistry (e.g., FDA, NSF, EPA)
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining the highest standards of quality and accuracy in all work
- Work with Development and Engineering teams to expedite efficient scale-up of research into commercial products
Required Qualifications
Candidates should hold a PhD or Master’s degree with a focus on Analytical Chemistry or Chemistry. Candidates are expected to show a track record of innovative research to solve difficult problems at the boundaries of chemistry and/or materials science. Master’s candidates should have an additional minimum of 2 years of industrial experience after the conclusion of their graduate studies.
- Theoretical and practical knowledge of polymer synthesis and characterization
- Improvisation, creativity, and the ability to quickly ‘prototype’ new methods
- Good judgment in weighing concerns about accuracy and robustness against demands for speed and cost
- Flexibility to manage changes in lab operations, priorities, or schedules
Schedule, Travel, Location, and Compensation
This is a full-time position on-site in Woburn, MA and reports to the Director of Research and Development. The schedule is generally Monday through Friday during the professional workday; some flexibility in the schedule is possible to accommodate commuting needs, childcare, etc.
This role is not expected to require significant travel, except to occasional trade shows or professional conferences.
Compensation will be competitive, commensurate with experience, and include a benefits package and company equity.
