JOB SUMMARY
We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Research Scientist, Purification & Analytical Sciences to develop and advance small-molecule purification and high-throughput analytical capabilities within our drug discovery team. This scientist will provide scientific and technical expertise in preparative SFC and LC purification, as well as high-throughput compound QC, supporting medicinal chemistry and high-throughput experimentation (HTE) platform.
A key focus of this role will be SFC-based purification, including method development, optimization, and application to diverse and challenging chemical matter. The ideal candidate will combine strong fundamentals in chromatographic separation science with hands-on expertise in analytical QC, instrument troubleshooting, automation, and high-throughput workflows.
This scientist will work closely with HTE, medicinal chemistry and other discovery teams to rapidly deliver purified, well-characterized compounds and high-quality analytical data, supporting an AI-driven design-make-test-learn drug discovery cycle. This position will be based out of our San Diego Headquarters.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Develop and execute small-molecule purification strategies using preparative SFC and LC, with particular emphasis on SFC method development and optimization.
- Independently solve challenging separations through optimization of stationary/mobile phases, selectivity, gradients, sample loading, scale-up, and fraction collection.
- Develop and support high-throughput compound QC workflows using LC/MS and related analytical techniques to assess compound identity, purity, and sample quality.
- Collaborate with medicinal chemistry and HTE teams to establish fit-for-purpose purification and QC strategies and rapidly deliver high-quality compounds.
- Serve as a technical resource for SFC/LC purification, analytical QC, and instrument troubleshooting, including root-cause analysis of chromatography, fluidics, hardware, and software issues.
- Provide hands-on support for SFC, LC, and LC/MS platforms, including maintenance, system optimization, and vendor coordination.
- Develop and improve automated and high-throughput purification and QC workflows, integrating sample handling, purification, fraction processing, analytical characterization, and data management.
- Evaluate and implement new chromatography, analytical, automation, and informatics technologies to expand throughput, capacity, and operational efficiency.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Ph.D. in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline with 0-5 years of relevant experience; or a MS with 7+ years / BS with 9+ years of relevant experience.
- Strong hands-on expertise in small-molecule chromatographic purification and method development, preferably in a pharmaceutical, biotechnology, CRO, or drug discovery environment.
- Demonstrated expertise in preparative SFC, including method development, optimization, and troubleshooting; preparative LC experience is strongly preferred.
- Strong understanding of chromatographic separation science and demonstrated ability to independently solve complex purification problems.
- Strong instrument troubleshooting skills, including experience diagnosing chromatography, fluidics, hardware, software, and workflow issues.
- Strong understanding of medicinal chemistry and small-molecule drug discovery, with the ability to translate project needs into effective purification and analytical strategies.
- Excellent scientific problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience with high-throughput LC/MS analysis and compound QC, including purity and identity assessment, is strongly preferred.
- Experience with automation, high-throughput workflows, and informatics/data-management systems is highly desirable.
- Experience with Agilent, Shimadzu, or comparable analytical and purification platforms is a plus.
PAY AND BENEFITS
We offer industry leading competitive pay, company paid healthcare, flexible spending accounts, voluntary life insurance, 401K matching, and uncapped vacation to our team. We are in a brand-new state-of-the art facility in beautiful San Diego with an onsite gym, dining, and easy access to great places to live and play.
