About us: We’re a startup company with proven technology developing eco-friendly and bio-renewable surfactant chemicals for consumer products, such as laundry detergents and personal care products. Sironix has invented and developed a series of new surfactant molecules that will make our consumer products work better and benefit our environment. We have received over $7M in government investment and partnerships, and just completed a series A funding round raising more than our $3M price target. We are searching for an applicant who can help us refine and scale our surfactant manufacturing process, overcome barriers to technology commercialization and achieve a more responsible future for the cleaning and personal care industry.

Summary: We are seeking a Research Associate to join our R&D team and support lab-scale experimentation, process development, and day-to-day lab operations. Reporting to the Head of R&D, this early-career role is ideal for someone with a background in chemistry or chemical engineering who is eager to apply hands-on lab skills, gain exposure to process development, and contribute to the broader mission of sustainable chemistry. As a bench-focused role, you will spend a significant portion of your time conducting synthesis and purification of bio-based surfactants and their intermediates. This includes operating and maintaining small-scale reactors, executing multi-step organic reactions, and assisting with scale-up test work as needed. You’ll support analytical testing through techniques such as HPLC, GC, NMR, and UV/Vis, and help interpret these results to drive decisions on reaction optimization and product quality. A key responsibility will be the accurate recording and management of experimental data, using both electronic lab notebooks and spreadsheets. You’ll be expected to clearly document procedures, observations, and analytical results, and contribute to internal reports and presentations. As a growing startup, you’ll also have the opportunity to contribute beyond the bench — helping to build and improve lab systems, implement protocols for safety and documentation, and collaborate cross-functionally across R&D and scale-up efforts. Curiosity, attention to detail, and a collaborative mindset are essential.

Salary: A starting salary of $60,000 to $85,000 per year is expected.

Position Type: This is an in-person regular full-time position located in Seattle, WA.

Desired Start Date: Early to Mid-September

Location: Sironix Renewables is located within the West Woodland Business Center in the southeast corner of the beautiful Ballard neighborhood. With our office and lab space nestled between the scenic Woodland Park Zoo a mile to the east and the bustling Ballard Markets a mile to the west, our neighborhood is the perfect combination of thriving startups and local breweries. There are also proximal public transit options to access Ballard Locks, University of Washington, Lake Union, as well as popular downtown destinations such as Pike Place and the Seattle Waterfront.

Compensation and Benefits

Sironix is proud to offer employees a competitive total compensation package as well as a comprehensive benefits program designed to support the whole lives of our employees and their families. Current benefits include:

• Medical, vision, and dental health benefits plan
• 401(K)
• 22 days of paid time off per year in addition to paid sick time
• 13 additional paid holidays annually, including 11 federal and state holidays and 2 floating holidays to recognize cultural, religious, or personally significant events.
• Transit pass that includes unlimited light rail and bus trips

Duties/Responsibilities

• Conduct lab-scale chemical experiments under guidance, including preparation, execution, and documentation
• Assist in the synthesis and purification of surfactants and chemical intermediates
• Support analytical testing using techniques such as HPLC, GC, UV/Vis, and NMR
• Maintain a clean, organized, and well-stocked laboratory environment
• Track inventory and manage ordering of laboratory supplies and reagents
• Follow and help develop safety protocols, lab documentation systems, and quality control procedures
• Support data collection and presentation for internal meetings and external partners
• Assist in lab equipment maintenance and calibration
• Collaborate with research staff and leadership on cross-functional projects, including scale-up support, grant work, and customer sampling

Required Experience & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific field
• Demonstrated experience in a chemistry lab (academic or industrial), including basic lab skills, safety, and documentation
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and willingness to learn new techniques
• Interest in organic synthesis and exposure to basic lab techniques
• Effective communication skills and ability to work collaboratively in a team setting
• Legally authorized to work in the United States and able to relocate to Seattle, WA

Preferred Experience & Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with organic synthesis and purification techniques
• Familiarity with common analytical instruments (e.g., HPLC, GC, UV/Vis, NMR)
• Experience in startup or fast-paced R&D environments
• Interest in green chemistry, sustainability, and the development of renewable technologies

Physical Requirements

• Will sit, stand, or walk short distances for up to the entire duration of a shift
• Will climb stairs on an occasional basis
• Will lift, push, or pull up to 27 pounds on an occasional basis
• Required to use hands to grasp, lift, handle, carry or feel objects on a frequent basis
• Must be able to comply with all safety standards and procedures
• Ability to work at a computer for extended periods of time, which includes typing, viewing data, and manipulating documents and data.
• May reach above shoulder heights and below the waist on a frequent basis
• May stoop, kneel, or bend, on an occasional basis
• Ability to wear personal protective equipment is required (including but not limited to: nitrile gloves, lab coat, safety glasses, hearing protection, hard hat, safety footwear)

Potential candidates will meet the education and experience requirements provided on the above job description and excel in completing the listed responsibilities for this role. The successful candidate will be required to pass a background check and must not be excluded from participation in federal programs.

To apply, visit: https://sironix-careers.softr.app/

https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/4266572672/?refId=ftQzm%2Bn3Of27r%2F0ooFaf5w%3D%3D&trackingId=ftQzm%2Bn3Of27r%2F0ooFaf5w%3D%3D

Josefine Fleetwood (She/Her), Employer Relations Manager

Oregon State University | College of Engineering  

School of Chemical, Biological and Environmental Engineering

School of Nuclear Science and Engineering

Department of Biological and Ecological Engineering

116 Johnson Hall  - Room 112

541-737-7286

Josefine.fleetwood@oregonstate.edu