Research Scientist - Core Technology Development

About us

Savor is a Series A stage startup pursuing transformational technology to produce sustainable fats and oils for food, cosmetics, and specialty chemistry industries. We are taking an extremely ambitious bet in the climate fight and we’re looking for someone who shares our passion for the mission to build a more sustainable and just world.

The role

We are seeking an inventive, hands-on Research Scientist to join our world-class R&D team in advancing our novel process. This role sits at the frontier of our core technology development, working directly with the Chief Science Officer and the broader R&D team to design and execute long-term research programs. We’re growing fast and this is an opportunity to be a core part of a mission-driven company. Responsibilities include:

Lab-Scale Research & Development

• Lead the design, construction, and operation of laboratory-scale reactors and experimental apparatuses to develop and test novel chemical processes central to Savor’s core technology.
• Conceive and execute long-horizon R&D projects with rigor, creativity, and scientific independence.
• Improve and expand bench-scale apparatus capabilities, integrating advanced instrumentation and control systems for liquid-phase chemical processes.
• Develop and refine models for core processes in collaboration with analytical and process simulation teams.
• Apply expertise in organic chemistry and chemical separations (e.g., extraction, distillation, crystallization, adsorption) to solve complex research challenges.

Collaboration & Communication

• Work directly with the Chief Science Officer to shape research direction and priorities.
• Collaborate closely with other R&D scientists and engineers to share findings, troubleshoot, and accelerate the development roadmap.
• Document and communicate experimental results, methodologies, and work plans on a regular basis.
• Support other projects and team members as needed and available.

Qualifications/Skills

Required

• Ph.D. in chemical engineering, chemistry, or a closely related field.
• Background in chemical engineering, particularly in reactor design, process development, or scale-up of liquid-phase chemical processes. 

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• Demonstrated experience designing and building research-scale reactors and experimental apparatuses from the ground up.
• Hands-on experience integrating and operating control and measurement systems for liquid-phase chemical processes.
• Strong foundation in industrially relevant organic chemistry and chemical separation processes (e.g., extraction, distillation, fractionation, crystallization, adsorption).
• Commitment to safe laboratory practices and the ability to maintain a rigorous, organized research environment.
• Ability to work independently, troubleshoot complex problems, and drive projects forward with scientific creativity and rigor.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Attention to scientific and numeric detail.

Preferred

• 2+ years of postdoctoral or industry research experience in a relevant field.
• Experience performing scientific data analysis in Python or a similar language.

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• Experience with analytical techniques such as GC-MS.
• Familiarity with process simulation tools and kinetic modeling.
• Experience collaborating closely with engineering teams in a technology development or scale-up context.
• Experience with program or project management — coordinating timelines, tracking milestones, or supporting cross-functional R&D initiatives

If there are items under the “Qualifications/Skills” section that you are working towards or would like to pursue, we still encourage you to apply. Our promise is that a real person is reviewing your application when received.

Logistics

This is a hands-on, on-site position based at our HQ in San Jose, CA. Relocation support available if needed. Savor provides competitive salary ($150-190k, depending on experience) and benefits, including equity participation at a meaningful stage in Savor’s growth, eligibility for our performance bonus program, health, dental, and vision coverage, and a generous PTO policy.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer – we do not discriminate in hiring, promotions, or any other way on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.

To apply: Please send your resume/CV to emma.regan@savor.it.