Want to join our team? We are constantly on the hunt for new talent.

Progressive vision on a trusted foundation.

At Vandstrom, there's a level of openness and honesty with each other, and an appreciation for diverse views. Every voice adds depth. Our team is driven to challenge the status quo. It’s that curiosity and tenacity that has us excited about what’s next. Your expert knowledge in biochemistry, proteins, polymer technology, process engineering, separation sciences and applications, or the commercialization of high-tech products will help us to help the world. At our site in Gaithersburg, Maryland, we are concentrating on research and development, product engineering, manufacturing and applications engineering of our products.

Meet our team

Coming from vastly different backgrounds to solve novel problems together.

Behnam Ghalei

Principal Scientist

"As a membrane scientist with experience leading a team to address advanced separation solutions, I’ve always been inspired by how nature elegantly handles separation. This drives me to want to develop biomimetic membranes that combine nature’s brilliance with modern science. With expertise in materials science and polymer chemistry, I focus on creating innovative solutions for water purification. In Vandstrom's collaborative environment, I work alongside diverse minds to tackle these challenges and develop transformative technologies for sustainable water treatment."

Samuel Jayakanthan

Principal Scientist

”I believe that great science can change the world. I am most excited by moonshot projects, and I feel privileged to be part of a team committed to using challenging and innovative science that will push humanity forward. As the team lead for the protein department, my passion is for integral membrane proteins and how we can leverage their unique filtration properties (evolved over billions of years) to create unrivaled filtration systems. The potential applications are broad – but first, let’s help solve the world’s water crisis.“

Kevin Mrugalski

Biomimetic Program Manager

“I’ve been with Vandstrom for 5+ years. During my tenure, I’ve been proud to be with a team of functional experts working toward solving the world’s most important challenges through separations science. I’m passionate about driving innovation through project management and ensuring that our products provide value to the end-user.”

Meron Cherenet

Vice President, Business Operations and Human Capital

“I've been on this journey with Vandstrom for years. In the beginning, I didn't know what I was signing up for. Like many, I was just kicking off my career. Many wins and lessons later, I have come to realize that this is not just a job. It’s a calling to make a difference. I am driven by the opportunity to work with such a diverse group of people keen to collectively create a world that caters to human well-being through science and innovation."

Oliver Geschke

Vice President, Research and Development

“Interdisciplinary research and development have always been my personal drivers. Producing excellent state-of-the-art membrane products is already somewhat complex, but combining classical membrane technology with protein design adds a lot of complexity. It’s not rocket science – perhaps it’s a bit more complex than that! Problems this complex can only be solved together with teammates coming from multiple scientific backgrounds. I’m fortunate to coach such a brilliant interdisciplinary team.”

Imran Jaferey

Chief Executive Officer

“Working with a team to solve ‘unsolvable’ problems society faces has always been what motivates me. I’ve been fortunate to work with people from all over the world and with a variety of backgrounds, and being able to draw on that diversity is what has driven success in any organization I have been part of.”