Analytical Scientist

Emeryville, California, United States

COMPANY

Octant is a well-backed team of experienced scientists and entrepreneurs at the frontiers of biology, chemistry, and computation. We are a small molecule therapeutics company combining high-throughput synthetic biology, generative chemistry, and AI/ML to repeatedly develop precision medicines for genetically defined diseases.

JOB DESCRIPTION

We are seeking an innovative Analytical Scientist to join our dynamic and ante-disciplinary research team. A core focus of your role will be to expand the Octant Navigator platform for the generation of low-cost, large-scale in vitro ADMET datasets to enable high quality mechanistic ADMET/PK models. Additionally, you will leverage your expertise in protein characterization, proteomics, and analytical techniques to support our drug discovery and development programs. 

The ideal candidate will bring a fresh perspective to traditional analytical chemistry, driving innovation in processes and methodologies and leveraging Octant’s diverse automation infrastructure and analytical equipment.  You are motivated by Octant’s mission and have a team-first mindset. You bring strong technical skills with cutting-edge analytical methods, excellent communication, and an ability to thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.

 IN THIS ROLE, YOU WILL:

  • Design, develop, and validate novel bioanalytical methods to characterize large and small molecules
  • Develop and implement high-throughput ADME assays that are suitable for ML methods 
  • Develop and deploy methodologies to analyze small molecules to support both our in-house high throughout synthesis capabilities and ADME property characterization.
  • Perform intact mass analysis, peptide mapping, and other protein and peptide characterization techniques
  • Work hand–in-hand with machine learning scientists, software engineers, biologists, chemists, and automation engineers
  • Analyze and interpret complex analytical data and present findings to internal and external project teams
  • Identify opportunities for improved analytical capabilities which leverage or synergize with Octant’s high throughput nanoscale synthesis and assay capabilities.

THIS JOB MIGHT BE GREAT FOR YOU IF YOU HAVE:

  • A PhD in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Biology or a related discipline with 0-5 years of post-PhD experience in analytical/bioanalytical research, a MS degree with 6+ years of relevant experience, or a BS or BA degree with 8+ years of relevant experience; industry experience preferred
  • Deep technical expertise with analytical instrumentation including, but not limited to, HPLC, LC-MS, CAD/MS, EchoMS (preferred), and various spectroscopic techniques
  • A focus towards LC-MS/MS technique development (metabolomics, small molecule analysis, ADME assays, proteomics, complex biological matrices, etc)
  • Strong computational skills including familiarity with command-line interfaces and statistical analysis
  • Experience with laboratory automation platforms and high-throughput screening methods
  • Flexibility to rapidly changing priorities and project needs, with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment; comfortable with ambiguity and able to pivot strategies as needed to meet project goals
  • Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities, with a proactive approach to anticipating potential issues and addressing them before they become critical
  • A drive to build a successful company in your role as an analytical scientist and beyond

Optional: Along with your application, please share a paper/preprint/software repo that best highlights your strengths so we can better understand work you've led. If there is nothing public, please summarize that work in a few paragraphs. We'd love to also hear about things you've been proud to build or lead outside of science.

The expected annual salary for this role is in the range of $130,000 to $150,000, depending on experience level. We offer health benefits (medical, dental, vision), equity, and 401(k) matching.

Octant is located in Emeryville, California and we work onsite.

Octant is an equal opportunity company that values applicants of all backgrounds. We’re committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment. We value less traditional backgrounds, and may consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. We know that confidence-gap and imposter syndrome can get in the way of meeting spectacular candidates, so please don’t hesitate to apply — we’d love to hear from you.

OCTANT’S NAVIGATOR PLATFORM:

Octant’s Platform, “The Navigator,” accelerates the design, build, test, & learn iterations across chemistry and biology to build drugs against cellular mechanisms. The Navigator is an expanding set of drug discovery and development capabilities with three interwoven components that operate together: 

  • Generative Biology – Multiplexed measurements from engineered sensors in human cells to understand cellular mechanisms
  • Generative Chemistry – Nanoliter-scale chemical synthesis for rapid exploration of local & targeted chemical space 
  • Generative AI – ML/AI ingests large-scale biological and chemical datasets and drives iteration of experiments to build better molecules faster

Together, the Navigator platform drives week-to-week progress on our drug programs, generative 3M+ readouts each week across multiple therapeutic areas. 

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