Lab Research Chemist

About us: Alder Renewables is a fast-growing clean fuels startup focused on producing refinery-ready biocrude from sustainable biomass. Backed by leading investors and strategic industry partners, Alder is in an execution-focused scale-up phase, offering employees hands-on exposure to real-world scale-up, fuels testing, pilot-scale operations, and technology commercialization.

Position overview: We are seeking a highly motivated Research Chemist with a strong analytical chemistry focus to own and execute laboratory testing in our R&D facility. This is a hands‑on role responsible for managing, executing, improving, and documenting lab experimental work that advances proprietary technologies toward commercial readiness. The ideal candidate brings a solutions‑oriented mindset, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively within established experimental frameworks, with clear accountability for data quality, method robustness, and continuous improvement of laboratory practices.

Own Day-to-Day Laboratory Analytical Operations

• Own day-to-day analytical method performance, including data quality, repeatability, and documentation.
• Support analytical method development, validation, and optimization.
• Support lab safety documentation, protocols, and inspections.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot analytical equipment.
• Plan and execute lab experiments and chemical analyses for high-quality data.
• Support the interpretation of data and identification of trends.
• Draft research reports, summaries, and briefs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, or a closely related field.
• 3+ years of hands‑on analytical lab experience in an applied research setting.
• In-depth knowledge of analytical instrumentation operation and maintenance.
• Detail‑oriented with strong organizational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and contact information for two professional references to:

Our work is driven by a set of core values that guide us in everything we do:

• Push the boundaries of the possible: We're not afraid to innovate and challenge the status quo, seeking groundbreaking solutions to complex problems.
• Sustainability by design: We prioritize sustainability in all aspects of our work, from product development to daily operations.
• Operate with humility: We approach our work with a humble attitude, recognizing that there's always more to learn and room for improvement.
• Collaborate with empathy & respect: Collaboration is key to our success. We treat each other and our partners with empathy and respect, fostering a positive and inclusive work environment.
• Data-driven decision making: We rely on data and evidence to make informed decisions, ensuring the effectiveness and efficiency of our processes.

Alder Renewables

1450 Infinite Drive, Ste 115

Full-time, salaried position. Salary range: $80,000–$95,000 per year, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Total compensation includes a comprehensive benefits package (medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401k, paid time off) and eligible participation in an equity‑linked incentive plan.