Product Development Chemist Jobs

POSITION:Research Scientist (Product Development Chemist)

LOCATION:Vancouver

KEY FUNCTION:Product Design

ABOUT NYOKA

At Nyoka, we are creating light from the future. We engineer proteins to generate stable, safe, and sustainable light. Our mission is to replace all uses of chemiluminescence and expand the possibilities of light. The chemiluminescence industry is a toxic industry that produces carcinogenic waste and single-use plastics. Our technology has market applications ranging from commercial fishing, healthcare, aerospace, entertainment, and many more.

Nyoka was founded in 2021 and is a cleantech startup powered by biotech. We are located in Vancouver and have a team of 16 across Canada that is growing quickly. We have inbound interest, repeat customers, and paid pilots with companies such as NASA, Stellantis, BBC, Stanford, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and more. Additionally, we are supported by the University of British Columbia, Creative Destruction Lab, Brickyard, IndieBio, and SOSV - one of the world’s leading venture capital firms. For more information about Nyoka, please visit our website: www.lightbynyoka.com

WHAT YOU BRING TO NYOKA

• Experience is an asset, but early career professionals and more recent graduates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• MSc or PhD is an asset and may be considered in lieu of recent work experience
• Must be Canadian Citizen, Permanent Resident, or hold Canadian refugee status
• BSc or equivalent in chemistry, chemical/biological engineering, material science, biochemistry, or a related field

WHAT YOU NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL

• Team player who thrives in a dynamic & fast-paced startup environment
• Entrepreneurial spirit & approach to accomplishing tasks
• Demonstrated empathy and respect for yourself and others
• Open to learn non-violent communication practices (ongoing training provided)
• Creative problem-solver that is results-driven and customer-focused
• Ability to prioritize, manage your time, and get things done

TECHNICAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with modern characterization methods like NMR, MS, UV-Vis etc. is an asset.
• Experience working with hydrogels and other sustainable materials to optimize product performance and reduce environmental impact is an asset.
• Familiar with techniques essential for formulation analysis such as rheology, particle size analysis, pH measurements, product stability and other relevant assays.
• Draft professional SOPs, documents, and technical memos as needed.
• Familiarity with a wide range of organic reagents, solvents, and their safe handling.
• Strong foundation in setting and adhering to quality standards, including the design and execution of tests to ensure product consistency and reliability.
• Experience with biochemistry workflows and principles is an asset.
• Independently design and conduct experiments, analyze, and interpret results.
• Proficient in planning and executing multi-step organic syntheses, including purification and isolation of target molecules, at lab scale.

NICE TO HAVE

• Natural desire to learn, grow, and develop - personally & professionally
• Ability to communicate in (science) memes is considered a plus
• Excellent communication skills with technical & non-technical stakeholders
• Passion for sustainability, the environment, and fighting climate change
• Experience in the application of standard molecular biology assays and techniques
• Familiarity with fermentation or bioprocess engineering

COMPENSATION & PERKS

• Build something from the future and change the world
• Be a part of a company that helps animals, people, and the planet
• Flexible workplace that believes in work-life balance
• Opportunities for growth, learning, and development
• Nyoka swag & product samples (to do whatever you want with)
• Salary range: $57,000 - $63,000 CAD annually
• Initial 6-month position with the possibility of extension
• Best co-workers, technology, product, and company (we are not biased)
• Full-time position (40 hours per week)

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

Nyoka’s leadership team is naturally diverse and is deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all of its practices especially when it comes to growing our team. Our culture promotes inclusion and embraces how rewarding it is to work with people from all walks of life.

We recruit Nyoka team members based on who you are as an individual — regardless of race, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, lifestyle, age, national origin, religion or physical ability. We are an equal opportunity employer — let us know if you are eligible by noting in your cover letter or email.

Hesitant to apply? Even if you do not believe that you meet 100% of these skills or experiences but believe this role is right for you, we would still like to hear from you!

Thank you for your time, consideration, and interest!

- Paige Whitehead, Co-Founder & CEO of Nyoka