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Chemistry Research Associate

San Leandro, CA

About the Company

We envision a world where we continuously, sustainably, and affordably improve human life with synthetic biology. Our proprietary set of enzymes and our manufacturing approach enables the production of thousands of amino acids that were previously too difficult and expensive to make. These “noncanonical” amino acids that we make are already catalyzing the creation of revolutionary and innovative products that are good for people and the planet. 

Our technology outperforms traditional manufacturing approaches by 10–100x across the board. We already sell products to Big 10 Pharmaceutical companies, and our product family includes the key components of multi-billion dollar blockbuster drugs such as Ozempic and Mounjaro.

We are a diverse, passionate, interdisciplinary team that finds joy in building something new that leaves the world better than we found it. We strive to always learn and improve and have a deep desire to capitalize on our creativity and be exceptional at what we do.

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

You will be responsible for transitioning biomanufacturing platforms from bench scale to pilot scale. These challenging projects will require multiple competencies, including synthetic chemistry, biocatalytic reaction optimization, and purification and characterization of small molecules. You are expected to work closely with the other members of the manufacturing and chemistry groups and will have the opportunity to assume a leadership role as the company grows.

 

Key Responsibilities

  1. Optimize biocatalytic processes by running reactions at the analytical scale.
  2. Scale up biocatalytic reactions and isolate products at the multi-gram scale.
  3. Apply analytical methods to quantify the yield, activity, and purity of the biocatalytic reactions.
  4. Support biocatalytic production by synthesizing substrates or performing downstream synthetic steps according to SOPs.

 

Key Competencies

  • Strong technical background and direct hands-on experience with bench-scale synthetic chemistry
  • Familiarity with standard techniques of compound purification and characterization (e.g. TLC, HPLC, NMR)
  • Strategic thinking to address technical challenges and provide creative solutions
  • Ability to prioritize responsibilities, multi-task, and remain flexible and motivated in a fast-paced startup environment
  • Excellent communication skills including keeping good records and contributing to the design of SOPs
  • Proven ability to work in a team and desire to develop leadership and project management skills as the company grows
  • Ability to work safely with hazardous substances and maintain good chemical hygiene practices

 

Preferred Competencies

  • Experience with amino acids and peptide chemistry
  • Familiarity with the use of enzymes in synthesis

 

Qualifications

  • Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or a related field

 

Aralez Bio’s compensation range for this position is $28.85 - $38.46 USD hourly. This range may include multiple levels. Your level is based on our assessment of your interview performance and experience, which you can always ask the hiring manager about to understand in more detail. The hourly rate is just one component of Aralez Bio's total compensation package for employees. Your total rewards package will include equity, medical, dental and vision coverage, professional development stipend, weekly catered lunch, an unlimited PTO policy, yearly company retreat, and other benefits. This is a full time position. 

Benefits at Aralez Bio

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

Equal Employment Opportunity

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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