Scientist, Nanoparticle Chemistry

Role details

About Biota

Biota is an environmental biotechnology company developing next-generation tools that make environmental testing faster, more scalable, and more actionable. We apply advances in nanotechnology, chemistry, and analytical science to solve difficult sample-preparation and measurement challenges.

Biota is a venture-backed, early-stage company headquartered in Longmont, Colorado. This is an opportunity to join a growing scientific team and play a meaningful role in shaping both our technology and company.

The Opportunity

Biota is seeking a scientist with expertise in nanoparticle synthesis and surface chemistry to support the development of proprietary materials for environmental and analytical applications. The successful candidate will design, synthesize, modify, and characterize metal oxide nanoparticles and related functional materials.

This is a highly hands-on laboratory role requiring strong experimental judgment, careful documentation, and the ability to troubleshoot complex chemistry. The role is well suited for a scientist who enjoys working across fundamental research, applied development, and early product translation.

Responsibilities

• Synthesize and modify metal oxide and silica-based nanoparticles.
• Functionalize oxide surfaces using organosilanes and other organic ligands.
• Design, execute, and troubleshoot nanoparticle surface-modification experiments.
• Develop and compare formulations using structured experimental approaches.
• Purify and characterize synthetic products and functionalized materials.
• Evaluate material stability, consistency, and performance.
• Analyze data and recommend subsequent development activities.
• Develop experimental protocols, SOPs, and technical reports.
• Maintain complete and organized laboratory records.
• Collaborate with internal team members, vendors, and external research partners.
• Follow company procedures and laboratory safety requirements.

Required Qualifications

• MS or PhD in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, nanotechnology, or a related discipline.
• At least four years of relevant hands-on laboratory experience in nanoparticle synthesis, surface modification, and characterization. Doctoral research may count toward this requirement.
• Experience with organosilanes or oxide-surface functionalization.
• Demonstrated ability to independently design, troubleshoot, and interpret experiments.
• Strong documentation, data-analysis, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a small multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to work full-time and on-site in Longmont, Colorado.

Preferred Qualifications

• At least two years of industry experience in chemistry, materials science, nanotechnology, or a related field.
• Experience in a startup, product-development, or commercial R&D environment.
• Experience with techniques such as DLS, zeta potential, FTIR, UV-Vis, XPS, electron microscopy, NMR, HPLC, or mass spectrometry.
• Experience developing materials for separation, purification, concentration, sensing, or analytical applications.
• Experience improving synthesis reproducibility, scaling laboratory processes, or transferring methods to manufacturing.
• Evidence of original scientific research through publications, patents, presentations, or comparable work.

Compensation and Benefits

This position may be filled at the Scientist or Senior Scientist level, depending on the selected candidate's qualifications and experience. The base salary range is $80-$120k per year. Final title and compensation will be based on relevant experience, technical expertise, and demonstrated ability to work independently.

Biota offers health insurance, a 401(k) with company match, paid vacation, sick leave, company holidays, and the opportunity to help build a mission-driven environmental technology company.

How to Apply

Please submit a resume or CV and a brief cover letter describing your experience with nanoparticle synthesis and surface modification, the characterization methods you have used, an example of a challenging experimental problem you solved, and your interest in working at an early-stage company.

Professional references will be requested from candidates who advance in the interview process.

Equal Opportunity

Employer

Biota Inc. is committed to providing equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.