nanoComposix · Careers

NanoComposix is a privately-held R&D and manufacturing company that develops innovative nanomaterials for research and commercial markets. We manufacture hundreds of different variants of metal and metal-oxide core/shell nanocomposites for a wide range of applications including biosensors, medical devices, clinical diagnostics, and optical effects. Our mission is to help our clients bring nano-enabled products to market. We’re passionate about what we do and are looking for smart, energetic, and self-motivated individuals who take pride in their work to join our fun and innovative team in this exciting industry.

Benefits include medical and dental insurance, paid vacation and personal days, retirement plan with company-match, and an annual bonus program with opportunity for stock ownership in this employee-owned business.

A full list of open opportunities is provided below and also at our career application portal. Direct links to each of the open jobs is provided below:

Project Managers and Senior Scientists for Lateral Flow Assay Development and Commercialization (Updated October 8, 2018)

NanoComposix is searching for Project Managers and Senior Scientists to lead projects, manage scientific staff, and to bring lateral flow assays to market. This is a unique opportunity to leverage nanoComposix’s innovations in lateral flow R&D including ultra-bright reporter particles, covalent chemistry, and next-generation mobile point of care readers. The candidate will be expected to lead technical teams for assay development as well as support commercialization activities for both nanoComposix’s proprietary assays and assays developed for external clients.

A number of open positions at the senior level are available. The specific job description will depend on the candidate’s prior experience. Responsibilities include managing a highly motivated and innovative team of assay developers, transitioning R&D assays into an ISO 13485 compliant quality system, and coordinating regulatory and manufacturing activities for commercialization. The candidate will work closely with senior management to develop strategic plans for product development and expanding operations.

Requirements

Bachelor's, master’s, or PhD degree in chemistry, biochemistry, bioengineering, or a related field
5+ years of experience of bioassay development with a focus on lateral flow immunoassays
Demonstrated track record of solving challenging issues with lateral flow assay design, development, and optimization
Direct, hands-on experience generating analytical assay development, optimization, and validation data packages in accordance with regulatory requirements
Excellent organizational and project management capabilities to facilitate internal and external scientific interactions
Strong verbal and written communication skills for generating high-quality proposals, presentations, and reports for clients
Ability to multi-task, manage multiple projects and rapidly learn new techniques and approaches.
Ability to work effectively in a cross-disciplinary environment.
Must excel in a fast-paced, start-up environment
US citizenship or green card

Desired Skills

Demonstrated track record of bringing point-of-care diagnostics from feasibility through transfer to manufacturing
Previous experience with ELISAs, antibody conjugation, protein purification, and fluorescent labeling
Experience with cGMP / ISO 13485 compliant quality systems and the 510k approval process
Drafting and release of standard operating procedures and batch production records
Highly motivated and innovative problem solver able to independently design, execute, troubleshoot, and interpret experiments within a co-operative matrixed team environment.

Application Process

Qualified candidates should create a pdf with both a cover letter and resume and apply online here. The cover letter should include information on how your previous experience relates to the job requirements and your availability. Specific examples are of interest. You will not be considered without a cover letter.

This job is located in San Diego, California.

Lateral Flow Bioconjugation: Research Associate (Updated October 8, 2018)

A research associate is needed to assist with developing next-generation lateral flow tests based on both fluorescent and plasmonic particles. We are seeking a highly motivated individual with ability to design and conduct robust and efficient experiments to solve difficult technical problems. Must be able to work independently under supervision of a project manager, and be able to clearly document and communicate results. The applicant should be familiar with optimizing lateral flow assays and bioconjugation in general.

Responsibilities will include the functionalization of nanoparticles with antibodies and other targeting agents, assembling and running of lateral flow strips, and optimizing these devices to increase sensitivity and minimize non-specific background.

Requirements

Bachelor's or master's degree in chemistry, biochemistry, bioengineering, or related field
Experience with bioconjugation to surfaces or particles
Experience with analytical, physical, inorganic, and organic chemistry laboratory procedures, techniques and equipment.
Research experience in a relevant field of study.
Ability to multi-task, handle frequently changing job functions, and rapidly learn new techniques and approaches.
Good organizational skills
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Must work well in a fast-paced, start-up environment.
US citizenship or green card

Desired Skills

Lateral flow development
Bioassays, antibody conjugation, fluorescent labeling
Experience fabricating, functionalizing, and processing nanomaterials
Strong instrumentation background including optical microscopy, UV-Vis, DLS, Zeta-Potential, DLS, TEM, or SEM
Experience with analytical, physical, inorganic, and organic chemistry laboratory procedures, techniques and equipment.
Familiar with cGMP or ISO 13485 compliant quality systems

Application Process

Nanoparticle Chemist: Research Scientist (Updated October 8, 2018)

A Research Scientist position is available at nanoComposix. Responsibilities include working on a wide range of projects for government, academic and commercial clients (start-ups to Fortune 50). The applicant will leverage their nanoparticle synthesis background to fabricate stock products, custom products, and to develop new products that provide order-of-magnitude increases in performance or enable products that would not be possible without nanotechnology. At nanoComposix we are helping accelerate many different technologies to market and the applicant will participate in all aspects of commercialization including project planning, research, and development, scale-up, transfer to manufacturing, quality, marketing, and commercial production.

Requirements

Masters or PhD degree in chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering or nanoengineering with experience in nanoparticle fabrication
Experience with analytical, physical, inorganic, or organic chemistry laboratory procedures, techniques, and equipment.
Ability to multi-task, handle frequently changing job functions, and rapidly learn new techniques and approaches.
Great communicator and writer. Will be responsible for brainstorming new ideas for products and pitching early stage concepts both internally and externally.
Must work well in a fast-paced, start-up environment.
US citizenship or green card

Desired Skills

Fabrication of sol-gel, quantum dot, metal/metal oxide, polymer, core-shell nanoparticles, and composites.
Synthesis of unagglomerated, low coefficient of variation metal and metal oxide nanoparticles (e.g. gold, silver, copper, platinum, magnetite, TiO2, SiO2, nanoparticles).
Strong analytical background including experience with TEM, DLS, Zeta Potential, and optical microscopy and spectroscopy.
Nanoparticle surface functionalization for transfer between organic and aqueous dispersions.
Pilot or production scale chemistry including reactor design, production scale manufacturing, or continuous flow processes.
Experience with the bioconjugation of targeting molecules to surfaces or particles

Application Process

Nanoparticle Synthesis: Research Associate (Updated October 8, 2018)

A nanoparticle synthesis research associate position is available at nanoComposix. Responsibilities include working with the product team to fabricate and characterize nanoparticles, prepare specification sheets, and carefully follow standard operating procedures for the large-scale production of nanoparticles.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in chemistry, biochemistry or nanoengineering with a strong chemistry background or minor in chemistry.
Experience with analytical, physical, inorganic, or organic chemistry laboratory procedures, techniques, and equipment.
Research experience in a relevant field of study.
Ability to multi-task, handle frequently changing job functions, and rapidly learn new techniques and approaches.
Pays significant attention to detail and carefully documents all experimental procedures, observations, and methodology.
Ability to keep organized data and records.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Strong computer skills including MS word, excel, and powerpoint.
US citizenship or green card

Desired Skills

Experience fabricating, functionalizing, and processing nanomaterials
Experience with the bioconjugation of targeting molecules to surfaces or particles
Experience with optical microscopes, UV-Vis, DLS, Zeta-Potential,TEM, or SEM.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Internship Research Associate (Updated October 8, 2018)

An internship position as a nanoparticle synthesis research associate is available at nanoComposix. Responsibilities include working with the product team to fabricate and characterize nanoparticles, prepare certificates of analysis, and carefully follow standard operating procedures for the large-scale production of nanoparticles. For candidates that have just graduated, there is the possibility of the internship converting to a full-time position.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in chemistry, biochemistry or nanoengineering with a strong chemistry background or minor in chemistry.
Experience with analytical, physical, inorganic, or organic chemistry laboratory procedures, techniques, and equipment.
Research experience in a relevant field of study.
Ability to multi-task, handle frequently changing job functions, and rapidly learn new techniques and approaches.
Pays significant attention to detail and carefully documents all experimental procedures, observations, and methodology.
Ability to keep organized data and records.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Strong computer skills including MS word, excel, and powerpoint.
US citizenship or green card

Desired Skills

Experience fabricating, functionalizing, and processing nanomaterials
Experience with the bioconjugation of targeting molecules to surfaces or particles
Experience with optical microscopes, UV-Vis, DLS, Zeta-Potential,TEM, or SEM.

Application Process

Qualified candidates should create a pdf with both a resume and cover letter in an email to careers@nanocomposix.com. The cover letter should include information on how your previous experience relates to the job requirements and your availability. Specific examples are of interest. You will not be considered without a cover letter. Candidate should be prepared to demonstrate their chemistry knowledge during the interview process.

IT/Facilities Manager (Updated October 08, 2018)

A full or part time IT/Facilities Manager position is available at nanoComposix. See below for primary responsibilities and desired qualifications which include supporting & maintaining all IT infrastructure for a growing nanomaterial company.

Job Description:

IT

Maintain Windows workstations, email and necessary network and IT infrastructure for 40+ employees plus ~ 30 lab/instrument computers.
Maintain and develop a range of servers (physical and VMs) – mostly Ubuntu, limited Windows.
Maintain robust backup and practical security. Zero tolerance for data loss or downtime of key servers.
Coding and scripting as needed to support scientific staff.

Instruments/Electronics, esp. with computer interfaces

Assist with installation, training, and troubleshooting of a wide variety of lab instruments (UV-Vis, DLS, FTIR, ICP-MS, TEM).
Be able to figure out and fix anything with hardware or software – outside help is OK but often less practical than fixing it ourselves.

Facility Maintenance

Maintain 12,000 square foot R&D and Manufacturing facility.
ISO 8 cleanroom – assist in completing qualification activities. Maintain all aspects of performance.
Dry room (< 20% RH) – troubleshoot and maintain (hint -it’s never dry enough).
Machine shop (lathe and CNC mill) experience a plus.
Supervise facility improvements/TI's

Requirements

Ability to multi-task, handle frequently changing job functions, and rapidly learn new techniques and approaches.
Ability to keep organized data and records.
Must work well in a fast-paced, start-up environment.
US citizenship or green card

Desired Skills

Strong working knowledge of command line Linux.
Solid Windows Help Desk skills and enough patience to help a mostly technical staff.
5-10 years working experience in a combination of IT/Computer Management, Electronics Repair, Facility Maintenance, and Construction.
Construction and handyman skills needed.
Hardware, electronics and software expertise needed, particularly with legacy Windows OS and hardware.
Solid understanding of all building systems (plumbing, electrical, HVAC, structural).
Bachelor degree or equivalent preferred.

Application Process

Qualified candidates should submit a resume and cover letter in an email to careers@nanocomposix.com. The cover letter should include information on how your previous experience relates to the job requirements and your availability. Specific examples are of interest. You will not be considered without a cover letter.

Laboratory Technician (Updated October 08, 2018)

A laboratory technician position is available at nanoComposix. Responsibilities include, but not limited to, working with the product team to characterize nanomaterials, prepare certain standard products and certificates of analysis, order fulfillment and inventory management support, operate instruments and to carefully follow standard operating procedures.

Requirements

High school with 2+ years’ prior experience
Able to multi-task, handle frequently changing job functions, and rapidly learn new techniques and approaches
Excellent material handling skills
Pays significant attention to detail and carefully documents all procedures, observations and methodology
Able to keep organized data and records
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Strong computer skills including MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
US citizenship or green card

Desired Skills

At least 6 months prior lab experience
Post-high school education
Experience with optical microscopes, UV-Vis, DLS, Zeta-Potential,TEM, or SEM.

Application Process

Qualified candidates should create a pdf with both a cover letter and resume and apply online here. The cover letter should include information on how your previous experience relates to the job requirements and your availability. Specific examples are of interest. You will not be considered without a cover letter. Candidate should be prepared to demonstrate their chemistry knowledge during the interview process.