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Biocatalysis Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Codexis

Principal Process Engineer

Redwood City, CA

Expertise in flow chemistry, biocatalysis, or oligonucleotide synthesis technologies (e.g., SPOS, enzymatic platforms). Demonstrated leadership in scaleup activities, including tech transfer of ...

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Biocatalysis information

What is biocatalysis?

Biocatalysis refers to the use of natural catalysts, such as enzymes or whole cells, to accelerate chemical reactions. It is widely used in industries like pharmaceuticals, food, and biofuels to create more efficient, selective, and environmentally friendly processes compared to traditional chemical methods. Biocatalysis can offer advantages such as mild reaction conditions, high specificity, and reduced need for hazardous chemicals. Researchers and companies use biocatalysis to develop sustainable and cost-effective production methods for a variety of products.

What are the common collaborative interactions for a biocatalysis professional within a research or industrial setting?

Biocatalysis professionals frequently work in multidisciplinary teams, collaborating with chemists, microbiologists, process engineers, and analytical scientists. They often participate in project meetings to discuss experimental results, troubleshoot challenges, and design new enzyme-based processes. These interactions are essential for integrating biocatalytic steps into larger workflows, optimizing reaction conditions, and ensuring that scale-up considerations are addressed early in development. Effective communication and teamwork are key to successfully advancing biocatalysis projects from research to application.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a biocatalysis scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Biocatalysis Scientist, you need a solid background in biochemistry, enzymology, and organic chemistry, typically with an advanced degree in a relevant scientific field. Experience with analytical techniques like HPLC, GC-MS, and protein engineering tools, as well as familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), is commonly required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills for this role. These competencies are crucial for optimizing enzyme-catalyzed reactions and driving innovation in sustainable chemical processes.

What are popular job titles related to Biocatalysis jobs in California?

For Biocatalysis jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Biocatalysis jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Biocatalysis jobs in California are:

Biocatalysis jobs near you
Infographic showing various Biocatalysis job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 80% Physical, and 20% Remote job distribution.

Principal Process Engineer

Codexis

Redwood City, CA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

We are seeking a highly experienced and innovative Process Engineer to support process development activities for Codexis' Enzyme Catalyzed Oligonucleotide (ECO) Synthesis manufacturing platform, driving innovation and scalability from bench to GMP production. This role is pivotal in advancing sustainable oligonucleotide manufacturing technologies that disrupt traditional chemical synthesis methods and meet stringent quality and regulatory standards.
If any of the below describes you, we would love to meet you!
  • Possess a passion for being part of the therapeutic community helping bring cutting edge treatments to patients in need. 
  • Enjoys collaboration across different functional groups to get a holistic understanding of process development along with aligning data with internal stakeholders.
  • Enjoys problem solving by implementing engineering and analytical solutions. 
  • Providing technical leadership in handson process development, applying advanced engineering principles to drive the design, buildout, and maturation of the ECO Synthesis platform in close partnership with crossfunctional development teams
  • Leading the scaleup strategy for the ECO Synthesis platform, ensuring process is robust, wellcharacterized, and ready for transition into a cGMP manufacturing environment.
  • Championing laboratory safety, maintaining a clean and compliant workspace, conducting process hazard analyses and risk assessments, and ensuring safe working environment for all team members.
  • Overseeing documentation quality, ensuring batch records, SOPs, and development reports meet GDP standards; providing mentorship and guidance to earlycareer engineers and scientists on documentation and experimental/statistical rigor.
  • Leading the development and delivery of key technical work, including internal and external presentations, detailed technical reports, and comprehensive technology transfer packages for siRNA manufacturing processes.
  • Owning the creation of engineering design tools, including mass and energy balances, process flow diagrams (PFDs), equipment specifications, and cost models to support scaleup, facility integration, and longterm platform deployment.
  • Serving as primary technical liaison with external vendors, driving equipment selection, qualification, and support activities essential for effective process development and scaleup.

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, or related field with 10+ years of relevant industrial experience, or M.S. with 8+ years.
Expertise in flow chemistry, biocatalysis, or oligonucleotide synthesis technologies (e.g., SPOS, enzymatic platforms).
Demonstrated leadership in scaleup activities, including tech transfer of biocatalytic or nucleic acid-based processes from laboratory to pilot or commercial manufacturing environments.
Proficiency in process modeling and simulation tools such as Aspen Plus, SuperPro Designer, COMSOL, or DynoChem; and proficient with data analytics or scripting tools (e.g., R, JMP, Python).
Strong leadership, communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across cross-functional teams including R&D, Operations, Quality, and Engineering.
Additional experience that would be valuable for this role includes:
Prior experience managing early career engineers, scientist, or research associates.
Expertise in purification technologies, such as chromatography, filtration, or enzyme/oligonucleotide purification workflows.
Experience with facility design or equipment specification, for nucleic acid manufacturing.
Deep understanding of quality systems and regulatory expectations, including ISO-based quality frameworks and GMP principles.

  • Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance 
  • Basic Life, AD&D, Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance 
  • 401k with Company Match up to 4% 
  • Company Equity 
  • Generous Paid Time Off including 18 Company Holidays (with a summer and winter shutdown), Vacation, and Wellness Time 
  • Annual Lifestyle Account for reimbursement of fitness programs, equipment and more 
  • Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP) 
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (Commuter/Parking, Dependent Care & Healthcare)
  • Student Debt Program (Company Contribution to Loans)
  • Mental Health Wellness Program
  • Subsidized onsite lunch program
  • Onsite Gym Facilities
  • Paid Parental Leave
And More!

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