Process Development Engineer, Chemistry

Job Description

Job Description

About the Company

We envision a world where we continuously, sustainably, and affordably improve human life with synthetic biology. Our proprietary set of enzymes and our manufacturing approach enables the production of thousands of amino acids that were previously too difficult and expensive to make. These "noncanonical" amino acids that we make are already catalyzing the creation of revolutionary and innovative products that are good for people and the planet. 

Our technology outperforms traditional manufacturing approaches by 10–100x across the board. We already sell products to Big 10 Pharmaceutical companies, and our product family includes the key components of multi-billion dollar blockbuster drugs such as Ozempic and Mounjaro.

We are a diverse, passionate, interdisciplinary team that finds joy in building something new that leaves the world better than we found it. We strive to always learn and improve and have a deep desire to capitalize on our creativity and be exceptional at what we do.

About the role

We're seeking an experienced Process Development Engineer, Chemistry to join the Process Chemistry and Manufacturing team at Aralez Bio. This role will be a key, hands-on contributor to the process development, scale-up, and manufacturing operations for the production of a variety of non-canonical amino acids (ncAAs). The successful candidate will be directly involved in moving processes from the lab-bench scale through pilot runs and into commercial manufacturing. A core responsibility is ensuring the successful expansion of the product platform, which involves optimizing synthetic routes, improving yields, enhancing purity profiles, and ensuring all operations adhere to strict safety and quality standards. This position demands a blend of practical laboratory/pilot equipment skills and a strong understanding of chemical engineering principles to reliably and efficiently deliver high-quality ncAA products.

This is a full-time onsite role. We're located in Berkeley, CA. 

What You'll Do

• Execute various chemical unit operations (biocatalytic and chemical reactions, filtrations, purifications, etc.) to produce high-quality noncanonical amino acid products, in collaboration with the Production team.
• Set up, operate, monitor, maintain, and troubleshoot manufacturing equipment, including chemical reactors at various scales (10L, 100L, 1000L), filters, pumps, and other equipment and parts.
• Follow and assist in development of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and batch records to ensure accurate and consistent production.
• Maintain raw material & product inventories. Perform container change-outs for products and raw materials including chemicals and solvents. 
• Perform "scale-up" and "scale-down" procedures for chemical reactions and unit operations, including optimization and troubleshooting, to ensure successful and efficient transfer from lab-scale (milligram to gram) to pilot-scale (kilogram) and eventual manufacturing scale (multi-kilogram to ton).
• Maintain quality standards by conducting in-process testing and analysis, using analytical tools such as TLC, HPLC, LCMS, and pH meter, to determine intermediate identity, purity, pH, and concentration.
• Communicate important production details (verbally and in writing). Complete appropriate documentation (e.g. batch records, log books as required), following good documentation practices.
• Participate in ongoing training to develop technical skills and enhance your understanding of chemical manufacturing processes.
• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance activities during production downtime. Clean and maintain equipment after production runs. 
• Follow Safety Protocols: Adhere to safety regulations and protocols.

What You'll Bring

• BS or MS in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry or a related discipline, with a minimum of 4-years hands-on industrial experience in an organic chemistry, process chemistry, or chemical production environment.
• Meticulous and detail-oriented approach to all tasks and motivation to to learn and improve process and functions.
• Ability to consistently follow technical procedures and accurately document all work performed.
• Ability to apply principles, theories and concepts, and propose a course of action for operational logistics and issues. 
• Effective communications: Providing consistent, thorough documentation, coordinating/talking in-person with the team.
• At least three years of hands-on experience in a piloting, manufacturing or production environment with chemical processing. This includes:
• Proven abilities working with chemical reactors, filters, and pumps in a pilot and/or manufacturing facility (equipment setup, operation, optimization, monitoring, and basic troubleshooting/repairs).
• Experience with chemical reactor sizes ranging from 100L to 1,000L and drum quantities of chemicals.
• Ability to safely and effectively handle and transfer solutions (up to drum size).
• Working knowledge of quality requirements, best practices, and working under SOPs in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong commitment to safety, working as a team, and operational excellence.
• Ensuring compliance of machinery with industry standards.
• Physical requirements : This is a physical role where you'll be on your feet for much of the work day. You must be able to exert up to 40 lbs of force occasionally, up to 20 lbs of force frequently, and 10 lbs force constantly to move objects. Additionally, you will move around in small spaces (kneeling, squatting, stooping), climb ladders, and reach upward/downward.
• Safety requirements : This role requires an understanding of and adherence to protocols and best practices for safety in this environment, which includes working with toxic chemicals. Required personal safety equipment includes chemically compatible gloves, steel toed shoes, lab coats, face shield, and respirator.

Essential traits:

• "We got this" attitude: Meeting production goals is often challenging. You are a self-starter who shows up ready to dig in every day with the team, and you're flexible when goals pivot or something goes awry.
• Thinking of creative solutions: Our work is a combo of newness and established chemical production processes. You'll combine your knowledge and experience with creative problem-solving to help optimize the work and improve production processes.
• Comfortable but careful: Great precision, attention, and care is required for safety and quality of work. You maintain high standards in the work with calm diligence.

Compensation 

Aralez Bio's salary range for this position is $80,000-$110,000 per year, based on your performance and experience. In addition, your total rewards package will include equity and benefits.

Benefits at Aralez Bio

• Medical / dental / vision insurance coverage
• 401k
• Flexible Spending Account
• Paid time off
• Weekly catered lunch
• Professional Development opportunities
• Annual company retreat

Equal Employment Opportunity

Aralez Bio is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender, sex, and any other group protected under federal, state, or local laws. 

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Please reach out if an accommodation is needed. 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.