R&D Scientist

About Lygos

Lygos, Inc. is a specialty chemical company that helps customers meet their highest performance and sustainability goals. Lygos' bio-inspired solutions are designed to replace persistent and carbon-intensive chemicals with products that are better, cleaner, and cost-effective. With a proprietary and fully integrated platform of the most advanced technologies across synthetic biology, industrial chemistry, and application development, a pipeline of innovative products, a first-of-its-kind Sustainable Solutions Center, and an integrated supply chain, Lygos is accelerating the world's transition to high-performing, sustainable solutions.

Lygos recently launched its Soltellus biodegradable polymer product line, with applications in home and personal care, water treatment and agriculture.

About the Position

Lygos is seeking an R&D Scientist to support our research and development efforts with a focus on the Soltellus biodegradable polymer platform and related innovations. This position plays a critical role in advancing sustainable material technologies by driving the design, synthesis, and optimization of novel polymers. The ideal candidate will collaborate cross-functionally to translate scientific discoveries into real-world applications across home care, personal care, and agriculture sectors.

Role & Responsibilities:

• Lead R&D projects hands-on through all stages from lab to production scale.
• Invent, design, characterize, and develop novel polymers to be used across Lygos' product portfolio.
• Establish structure-performance relationships and opportunities for IP generation.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with internal, multidisciplinary teams and external R&D partners.
• Apply scientific knowledge, data, statistical tools, etc. to solve technical challenges.
• Document, analyze, and present findings to internal and external stakeholders.
• Provide instructions and leadership to research associates as needed.
• Comply with safety procedures and good housekeeping practices.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Master's degree or higher in organic or polymer chemistry with at least 3 years of industrial R&D experience.
• Strong foundation in organic synthesis and polymer functionalization.
• Track record of innovative thinking, problem-solving and technical accomplishments.
• Experienced in managing multiple projects and assignments and adapting to changing business needs in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills across functions and levels.
• Desire is a creative, assertive, and resourceful individual with a high degree of personal responsibility who enjoys innovating and contributing to a multidisciplinary team in close relationship to the customer.
• Experience in mentoring laboratory personnel preferred.

Compensation and Benefits: Lygos offers highly competitive salaries, stock options, bonus and benefits, including medical and dental insurance, unlimited paid time off, and 401(k) plan.

Salary Range: $125,000-$150,000 - Actual pay will vary based on various factors, including but not limited to location, skill, experience, and performance.

The benefits and stock purchase described above are subject to the terms and conditions of any governing plans, policies, practices, agreements, or other materials or documents as in effect from time to time, including but not limited to terms and conditions regarding eligibility.

Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required.

Location: This position is for our Hayward, CA location. The employee must work on-site at this location four days per week. Willing to travel up to 10% of the time. There is no relocation assistance offered at this time.

Lygos, Inc. does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits.

If you're passionate about advancing sustainable chemistry and ready to contribute to a fast-moving, impact-driven team, we encourage you to apply.

Lygos, Inc. does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits.