Senior Associate Scientist I/II, Purification Sciences

Job Summary

We are seeking a motivated and hands-on Senior Associate Scientist I/II, Purification Sciences to support small-molecule drug discovery. This individual will perform chromatography-based purification, with a focus on preparative LC and preparative SFC, supporting medicinal chemistry and high-throughput chemistry efforts.

The ideal candidate will have practical laboratory experience with chromatographic purification and a strong interest in developing expertise in separation science, instrumentation, and high-throughput purification workflows. Experience with instrument maintenance and troubleshooting is highly desirable. This position will be based in our San Diego Headquarters.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform routine and moderately complex small-molecule purification using preparative LC and SFC, supporting medicinal chemistry and high-throughput chemistry workflows.
• Develop and optimize purification methods, including column/mobile-phase selection, gradients, sample loading, and fraction collection.
• Operate prep LC, prep SFC, analytical LC, and LC/MS systems and perform analytical QC of purified compounds.
• Perform routine instrument maintenance and troubleshoot common chromatography, fluidics, hardware, and software issues.
• Monitor instrument performance and proactively identify issues to maintain reliable laboratory operations and minimize downtime.
• Support high-throughput and automated purification workflows, including sample submission, purification, fraction handling, compound recovery, and data reporting.
• Work closely with medicinal chemists and other scientists to prioritize samples and deliver purified compounds with appropriate purity, recovery, and turnaround time.
• Support evaluation and implementation of new purification methods, columns, instrumentation, and workflow improvements.
• Maintain accurate experimental and instrument documentation and contribute to laboratory best practices.

Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline with 3+ years of experience
• Relevant hands-on laboratory experience in chromatography and small-molecule purification; level will be determined based on experience and demonstrated technical capabilities.
• Working knowledge of chromatographic separation principles and method optimization.
• Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative research environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with preparative LC and/or preparative SFC is strongly preferred; SFC experience is highly desirable.
• Experience operating and troubleshooting chromatography instrumentation is strongly preferred.
• Experience with LC/MS-based characterization and purity assessment is desirable.
• Experience with automated or high-throughput laboratory workflows is desirable.
• Experience with Agilent, Shimadzu, SCIEX, or comparable platforms is a plus.

Mission & Core Values

Our mission is to deliver better medicines through innovations in AI-based discovery technologies. We are committed to building an inclusive environment where a diverse group of talented humans work together to discover therapeutics and create technologies.

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.