R&D Agronomy Scientist

About Lygos

Lygos, Inc. is a specialty chemical company that helps customers meet their highest performance and sustainability goals. Lygos’ bio-inspired solutions are designed to replace persistent and carbon-intensive chemicals with products that are better, cleaner, and cost effective.  With a proprietary and fully integrated platform of the most advanced technologies across synthetic biology, industrial chemistry, and application development, a pipeline of innovative products, a first-of-its-kind Sustainable Solutions Center, and an integrated supply chain, Lygos is accelerating the world’s transition to high-performing, sustainable solutions. 

Lygos recently launched its Soltellus™ biodegradable polymer product line, with applications in home and personal care, water treatment and agricultural applications.

About the Position

Lygos is seeking a R&D Scientist to support our Agronomy market will play a key role in guiding Lygos' agricultural research and product development, with a focus on Soltellus and related innovations. This role is responsible for developing and managing the technology roadmap, driving scientific research, supporting business strategy, identifying new market opportunities, providing formulation guidance and ensuring regulatory compliance.

This position will provide expertise in product development, research and development (R&D), and technical service to enhance the commercialization and expansion of Soltellus.

Role & Responsibilities:

• Identify and lead the development of new application and formulation opportunities for Soltellus and derivatives.


• Generate research findings that highlight Soltellus’ strengths to be included in compelling marketing materials.


• Collaborate with other Lygos R&D personnel to investigate Soltellus' modes of action and identify ways to optimize them.


• Work closely with the agronomy team on field trial evaluation, optimization recommendations and rapid troubleshooting


• Support and participate in customer meetings, industry conferences, and webinars as needed.


• Serve as the subject matter expert on agronomic challenges and best practices, providing guidance on field applications of Soltellus.


• Provide consulting to the Senior Director on key agronomy division decisions.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Masters’ degree or higher in Agronomy, Crop Science, Soil Science or a related science or a Bachelor’s degree with more than seven years related experience. 


• Extensive knowledge of crop and plant physiology, experimental design principles and experience conducting field trials.


• Knowledge of nutrient formulations and their influence on crop physiology, biochemistry and productivity.


• Strong research, decision-making, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.


• Ability to clearly communicate complex scientific concepts to cross-functional team.


• Proficiency with computers, particularly MS Office and diagnostic scientific software.

Compensation and Benefits: Lygos offers highly competitive salaries, stock options, bonus and benefits, including medical and dental insurance, unlimited paid time off, and 401(k).

Salary Range: $1400,000-$175,000 -  Actual pay will vary based on various factors, including but not limited to location, skill, experience, and performance. 

The benefits and stock purchase described above are subject to the terms and conditions of any governing plans, policies, practices, agreements, or other materials or documents as in effect from time to time, including but not limited to terms and conditions regarding eligibility.

Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required.   

Location information: This position is for our Hayward, CA location. The employee must work on-site at this location 5 days per week. Willing to travel up to 5% of the time. There is no relocation assistance offered at this time. 

Lygos, Inc. does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits.