Research Associate

Overview of Role

ZwitterCo has an immediate opening for a Research Associate to contribute significantly to our rapidly growing business. This collaborative role will be central to the development and characterization of ZwitterCo's innovative membranes. We strongly encourage applications from candidates with backgrounds in organic chemistry, polymer chemistry, membrane science, and/or materials characterization.

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

The Research Associate will be responsible for conducting research, designing experiments for synthesis and membrane development, and a variety of other functions in ZwitterCo’s R&D lab.  Responsibilities may include: 

• Conducting research into new and improved chemistry platforms for achieving membrane product performance goals
• Hand-coating membranes from R&D polymer batches and characterizing material properties
• Developing new methods to characterize membranes depending on function and type
• Performance testing for new membranes
• Operating laboratory equipment such as UV/Vis, FTIR, contact angle measurements, etc.
• Analyzing data and making recommendations for next steps based on results from experiments
• Mentoring and collaborating with junior researchers, including co-ops
• Establishing SOPs for routine R&D procedures and assisting with IP generation and documentation

Critical Success Factors

The Research Associate will be responsible for conducting research, designing experiments for synthesis and membrane development, and a variety of other functions in ZwitterCo’s R&D lab.  Responsibilities may include: 

• Successful candidates will be methodical with excellent attention to detail
• Will readily approach test results through a critical lens
• Be well-versed in laboratory practices
• Have a keen interest in environmental and water technologies  

Required Qualifications

Candidates should hold a Master’s Degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a similar field, or a Bachelor’s Degree with at least 2+ years of hands-on laboratory experience. Additional qualifications include: 

• Theoretical and practical knowledge of organic/polymer synthesis and characterization
• Experience with several analytical chemistry techniques
• Basic statistical analysis (mean, standard deviations, confidence intervals)
• Proficient in tools relevant to these fields, such as MS Excel and laboratory notebook maintenance
• Flexibility to adapt to 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.

Travel for this role is expected to be between 0% - 5%.  

Compensation will be commensurate with experience and include equity and benefits.