El Segundo, CA
COMPANY DESCRIPTION
At Beyond Meat, we started with simple questions. Why do you need an animal to create meat? Why can’t you build meat directly from plants? Thus, we make plant-based meats that allow families to eat more, not less, of the traditional dishes they love while feeling great about the health, sustainability, and animal welfare benefits of plant protein. Our goal is to bring exciting change to the plate—and Beyond.
OVERVIEW
The Organic Chemist will use scientific principles and expertise, and a broad range of advanced
technologies and industrial tools for achieving company goals. This successful, self-motivated,
creative, and results-oriented individual will lead in their area of expertise to utilize cutting-edge
chemistry methods and techniques in the development of innovative food products and
processes. The Organic Chemist will have a keen understanding of the field and extensive hands-
on research experience with proven ability to think beyond standard methods, independently
conduct research and reach conclusions, and clearly deliver results within a matrix organization.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Utilize cutting-edge chemistry methods and techniques to design and develop functional food ingredients, molecular systems for food, and innovative products
Conduct natural products isolation, compound characterization and validation, as well as develop new or optimized approaches to natural products discovery
Characterize chemical processes and systems in detail, and develop chemistry to effect control over such processes and systems
Synthesize known and previously unknown compounds at small scale and scale-up quantities, including support for chemical process development at scale
Purify and characterize compounds using a variety of techniques including chromatography, crystallization, trituration, MS, NMR, CD, IR, etc. Assist in chemical extraction and method development for analytical chemistry research
Apply physical chemistry principles and mechanistic insight to research questions, and develop models to provide frameworks for interpretation of complex chemical systems
Develop product prototypes on the bench, conduct pilot and commercial scale trials, establish data and make a technical case for product feasibility
Leverage internal and external technology capabilities to develop improved products that exceed consumer expectations and provide a significant competitive advantage
Enable new technologies through chemistry
Support R&D team in attaining short-term and long-term development goals
Adapt to evolving scientific priorities
Actively support the innovation stage gate process: brainstorming and ideation sessions, concept development, concept screening, feasibility and commercialization
Build cross-functional support when appropriate and develop project plans to drive development and implementation
Continuously search for and vet advanced technologies that complement areas of strategic focus
Advise company officers in areas of scientific and process development expertise
Provide written and verbal reports of research activities, or written research proposals
Participate in R&D and company meetings
Maintain all appropriate legal and corporate standards for lab safety and hazardous material management; execute daily chemistry operations with an approach designed to minimize risks and hazard waste streams
Preserve all forms of intellectual and material property generated from the above activities, including writing patents, writing protocols for novel processes
Provide general laboratory support, purchase equipment, and supplies, and share in kitchen and laboratory maintenance
Maintain a safe working environment
QUALIFICATIONS
Ph.D. in organic chemistry, with extensive experience in organic synthesis and mechanism, analytical methods, and physical organic chemistry. Minimum 5-year experience in academic or industrial chemistry research
Post-doctoral experience is desired, but not required
Prior experience with natural products chemistry, protein chemistry, lipid chemistry, analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, and organic reaction chemistry
Record of excellence in chemistry research and innovative contributions to the field of chemistry
Understanding of food product chemistry, analytical testing, formulation and processes used in food manufacturing preferred
Mechanical ability, and familiarity with scientific equipment, chemical/analytical instrumentation, and advanced instrumentation
Proven ability to combine scientific insight with strong technical skills and business acumen
Experience working in a matrix and highly collaborative team orientated environment
Excellent oral and written communication skills. Fluent in English, both written and spoken
Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities, including a track record of scientific publications and contributions to research proposals
Excellent analytical, organizational and multitasking skills, as well as the ability to interact and collaborate successfully with all levels and functional areas
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Laboratory, office and kitchen environments with some travel (10%)
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Frequent sitting at a desk, communication-using computer and phone
Please note that Beyond Meat has adopted a COVID-19 vaccination policy to safeguard the health and well-being of our employees. All U.S. employees who (a) physically enter a Beyond Meat facility in the United States, (b) represent Beyond Meat at work-related events, including but not limited to trade shows and product demonstrations, or (c) physically enter customer or potential customer sites in connection with their work for Beyond Meat must take all necessary steps to be Fully Vaccinated as a condition of employment, unless a reasonable accommodation is approved.
Beyond Meat is an equal employment opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, ancestry, veteran status, marital status, gender identify, sexual orientation, national origin, liability for military service, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If you are interested in learning the status of your application, please note you will be contacted directly by the appropriate human resources contact person if you are selected for further consideration. Beyond Meat reserves the right to defer or close a vacancy at any time.
Please note that Beyond Meat has adopted a COVID-19 vaccination policy to safeguard the health and well-being of our employees. All U.S. employees who (a) physically enter a Beyond Meat facility in the United States, (b) represent Beyond Meat at work-related events, including but not limited to trade shows and product demonstrations, or (c) physically enter customer or potential customer sites in connection with their work for Beyond Meat must take all necessary steps to be Fully Vaccinated as a condition of employment, unless a reasonable accommodation is approved.
