Chemistry Project Manager Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

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We are seeking an experienced and innovative Principal Scientist to lead the development, optimization, and scale-up of adsorbent chemistries for advanced separation technologies. This role will focus on resin activation, surface functionalization, and immobilization processes to enable high-performance adsorbent materials for industrial applications.

The successful candidate will combine deep expertise in polymer and surface chemistry with a strong understanding of process development and technology transfer. This individual will work cross-functionally with applied biology, process engineering, analytical chemistry, and manufacturing teams to translate laboratory-scale innovations into robust, scalable manufacturing processes.

• Lead the design, development, and optimization of adsorbent materials, including resin activation, surface modification, and functionalization chemistries.
• Develop and scale covalent immobilization strategies for proteins, and other functional molecules onto solid supports.
• Evaluate and optimize a range of support materials
• Design and execute experiments to characterize adsorbent performance
• Establish structure-property relationships to guide adsorbent design and process optimization.
• Develop robust, reproducible, and scalable manufacturing processes for adsorbent production.
• Partner with process engineering teams to transfer laboratory methods into demo and commercial-scale operations.
• Define critical process parameters, critical quality attributes, and in-process controls for adsorbent manufacturing.
• Author and review technical reports, SOPs, batch records, specifications, and technology transfer documentation.
• Collaborate closely with analytical teams to develop and validate characterization methods.
• Support intellectual property generation, including invention disclosures, patent applications, and scientific publications.
• Mentor and develop junior scientists while contributing to technical strategy and project prioritization.
• Serve as a technical leader within multidisciplinary project teams and communicate progress to senior leadership.

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field with 5+ years of relevant industrial experience; or M.S. with 8+ years of experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in resin activation and functionalization chemistries.
• Experience designing and executing independent research programs in adsorbent, surface, or materials chemistry.
• Strong experimental design, data analysis, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to effectively collaborate across multidisciplinary teams.
• Please note: Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S.

• Experience scaling adsorbent manufacturing processes from laboratory to pilot or commercial production.
• Knowledge of heterogeneous reaction engineering and solid-liquid processing operations.
• Experience with immobilized proteins, enzymes, peptides, antibodies, or biomolecular ligands.
• Familiarity with technology transfer, process validation, and quality systems.
• Experience supporting external manufacturing partners, contract development organizations, or toll manufacturers.
• Knowledge of design of experiments (DOE), statistical process control, and process modeling tools.
• Experience working in critical minerals, hydrometallurgy, bioprocessing, or advanced materials industries.

• Scientific rigor and attention to detail
• Strong technical leadership and influence
• Data-driven decision making
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment
• Strong collaboration and project management capabilities

Within the first 12 months, this individual will be expected to:

• Develop and optimize scalable adsorbent functionalization processes.
• Improve adsorbent performance metrics, including capacity, selectivity, and stability.
• Establish reproducible manufacturing methods and associated documentation.
• Successfully transfer at least one adsorbent process from laboratory to pilot scale.
• Build strong partnerships across research, engineering, analytical, and operations teams.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to lead a breakthrough program redefining U.S. supply chain resilience in critical materials.
• A mission-driven, high-trust team operating at the intersection of innovation, national security, and sustainability.
• High Impact & Visibility: direct interaction and reporting to executive leadership.

The starting annual pay range for this position is $125,000 to $150,000, commensurate with educational background and work experience. 

Benefits include:

• 401(K)
• Medical, Dental, Vision plans (or equivalent) 
• Flexible Time Off
• Paid Parental Leave
• Paid Sick Leave
• Company Holidays