Staff Scientist, Chemistry

cellanome

Foster City, CA · Foster City · United States

Posted Aug 14, 2026

Other
R&D

Job description

We’re a well-funded start-up. You’ll get a chance to wear many hats, be a part of a growing team, and have the potential for exciting financial and career growth.

Here’s what sets us apart. We’ve set our sights on some of the biggest challenges facing biology today. We’re amassing a world class team of engineers, scientists, team builders and problem solvers to tackle these challenges heads-on. We’re passionate about developing the next generation technologies that will unravel the complexities of biology.

This is a unique opportunity to build, be part of an exciting start-up and be surrounded by good humans who are super capable, humble and down-to- earth.

Cellanome is seeking an experienced chemist or materials scientist to advance the development and application of our technology. You will be responsible for developing novel chemistries, bioconjugation methods, materials immobilization strategies, and characterizing materials or biomaterials. You will work closely with the research and technology development team, and process development team members.

Essential Duties include but are not limited to the following:

Develop novel chemistries or bioconjugation strategies for Cellanome’s consumable product line.
Develop strategies for immobilization or encapsulation of key reagents on surfaces or in particles.
Perform characterization of materials and biomaterials using analytical techniques.
Support chemistry process development and QC development.
Document and analyze experimental data accurately and thoroughly and communicate results within and across teams.
Follow laboratory safety protocols and maintain a clean and organized work environment.
Ability to stand for extended periods at a laboratory bench.
Ability to lift up to 20 lbs for approximately 15% of typical working day.
Ability to grasp with both hands; pinch with thumb and forefinger; turn with hand/arm; reach above shoulder height.
Ability to comply with personal protective equipment requirements.

Minimum Qualifications:

PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Bioengineering, or a related scientific discipline, with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience.
Extensive knowledge of biomolecules synthesis and characterization, and bioconjugation chemistries.
Hands-on experience with surface conjugation or particle-based encapsulation of small molecules, proteins, peptides, or DNA.
Experience in drug screening, controlled drug release, or drug delivery.
Experience in materials characterization techniques including UV-Vis, HPLC/UPLC, LC-MS, NMR, FTIR, fluorescence assays, or colorimetric assays.
Experience with synthesis and characterization of polymer or lipid-based microparticles or nanoparticles.
Excellent communication skills and ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment.
Demonstrated ability to perform the Essential Duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience in surface characterization techniques.
Experience in medicinal chemistry.
Experience with biocompatibility evaluation of biomaterials.

The estimated base salary range for this position is $140,000 - $200,000/year. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

What you can expect from us:

You’ll feel the energy when you walk in our door – we work hard, we have fun and we have ambitious plans to grow. Cellanome offers a comprehensive employment package that includes a competitive salary, generous stock options, great individual, and family health plans, a 401(k) and flexibility to balance work and life.

We embrace and celebrate the diversity of our employees. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, national origin, gender, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital or parental status, disability, veteran status, or other class protected by applicable law. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.