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Scientist - R&D Chemistry

San Leandro, CA

About the Company

Aralez Bio develops and manufactures noncanonical amino acids needed to create innovative products that are good for people and the planet. This product family includes the key components of multi-billion dollar blockbuster drugs such as Ozempic and Mounjaro.

Our proprietary enzyme platform–first developed in the lab of Nobel Laureate Frances Arnold–unlocks ncAAs by making their synthesis faster, cheaper, and greener. Aralez Bio’s technology is best-in-class, outperforming traditional manufacturing approaches by 10–100x across the board. Today we have the largest collection of noncanonical amino acids in the world and our customers include over half of Big 10 Pharmaceutical companies.

We are a diverse, passionate, interdisciplinary team that finds joy in building something new that leaves the world better than we found it.

Vision

We envision a world where we continuously, sustainably, and affordably improve human life with synthetic biology.

 

Mission

Our mission is for Aralez technology to become essential for chemical product development and manufacturing.

 

Job Summary:  

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Scientist (or Senior Scientist) with a PhD and strong synthetic organic chemistry experience to join our Research & Development team. The successful candidate will have experience in synthetic methodologies or natural product synthesis and will be keen to develop innovative biocatalytic methods for the production of noncanonical amino acids and related compounds. This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the optimization of biocatalytic processes and to work closely with our manufacturing team to scale up and implement these processes at a production level.

 

Responsibilities:

  • Optimize Biocatalytic Processes: Develop and refine biocatalytic methods for the production-scale synthesis of amino acids, ensuring efficiency and scalability.
  • Chemical Route Design & Optimization: Design and optimize synthetic routes for the chemical modification of amino acids, synthesis of precursors, and other related compounds.
  • Collaborate with Manufacturing: Work closely with the manufacturing team to ensure smooth onboarding and transfer of new processes, providing technical support throughout the scale-up phase.
  • Additional Chemistry Projects: Contribute to various chemistry-related projects and tasks as required, supporting the broader goals of the team and company.

 

Qualifications:

Required:

  • PhD in Synthetic Organic Chemistry or a similar discipline
  • Experience in synthetic methodology or natural product synthesis
  • Strong interest in developing biocatalytic methods to produce noncanonical amino acids and related compounds

Preferred:

  • Experience working with amino acids or peptides
  • Experience in biocatalysis
  • Experience with scale-up processes, preferably up to at least 100 grams
  • Relevant industry experience

Compensation

Aralez Bio’s salary range for this position is $100,000–$140,000 per year, based on your performance and experience. In addition, your total rewards package will include equity, medical, dental, and vision coverage, weekly catered lunch, an unlimited PTO policy, company offsite, and other benefits.

 

How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and cover letter to careers@aralezbio.com with the subject line “Scientist- R&D Chemistry Application - [Your Name].” Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Or you can apply directly for the role online via Greenhouse. 

Aralez Bio is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Please reach out if an accommodation is needed. 

 

This is an exciting opportunity to join an early stage company at the forefront of a rapidly growing industry.

Benefits at Aralez Bio include:

  • Medical / Dental / Vision coverage
  • Equity
  • 401k
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Unlimited time off policy
  • Weekly catered lunch
  • Professional Development opportunities
  • Annual company retreat

Aralez Bio is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender, sex, and any other group protected under federal, state, or local laws. 

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Please reach out if an accommodation is needed.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.  

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