Computational Chemist
About Debut
Debut is the unconventional innovation lab spearheading the next generation of big business. Only Debut has a scalable, integrated, climate-positive creation model powered by biotechnology that puts human wellbeing at the center of everything we do—setting the new standard for profitable business and a new pace for an ever-changing world. Our hybrid biotechnology approaches unlock latent markets, providing access to sustainably produced, natural ingredients with health benefits that cannot be obtained through other methods. We are committed to traversing the entire process, from ingredient discovery to the scaling of these products, for consumer markets. If you are passionate, enjoy fast-paced innovation and collaborative teams, then Debut is for you.
Computational Chemist
Location: San Diego, CA (Onsite full-time required)
Summary
We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Computational Chemist to join Debut. As a member of the Ingredient Innovation team, you will work with large-scale biological and chemical datasets to design and optimize novel active ingredients for consumer products. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in developing custom predictive and generative machine learning models. This highly collaborative position will involve close interaction with team members specializing in next-generation sequencing (NGS), chemistry, bioinformatics, AI/ML, and product development to bring innovative, scientifically backed ingredients to the market.
Essential Functions
- Develop and implement ML tools and workflows to discover molecules with desired biological and chemical properties
- Prepare and analyze large-scale, high-dimensional datasets for training QSAR/ML models
- Explore diverse generative ML algorithms to design novel bioactive molecules
- Optimize computational workflows for efficiency and develop new data visualizations to generate insights
- Apply cheminformatics expertise to support project team in data interpretation and decision-making
Education and Experience
- BS, MS, or PhD degree in Computational Chemistry, Cheminformatics, Bioinformatics, or a related STEM field
- 3+ years of practical experience in cheminformatics, either in academia or industry
- Strong proficiency in Python, including libraries such as RDKit, Scikit-learn, Tensorflow, PyTorch, Pandas, and Matplotlib. Experience with R is a plus
- Familiarity with Linux-based environments, bash scripting, Conda, and Git
- Experience working with medicinal chemistry or genomics data is preferred
- Excellent problem-solving and communication skills, with demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively with both internal and external teams
Essential Physical Characteristics
The physical characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case-by-case basis.
- Continuous upward and downward flexion of the neck.
- Frequent: sitting, repetitive use of hands to operate computers, printers and copiers.
- Frequently uses hands to feel objects or control tools (e.g. pipetting). Laboratory operations require dexterity and care to perform studies as required.
- Occasional: walking, standing, climbing stairs, bending and twisting of neck, bending and twisting of waist, squatting, simple grasping, reaching above and below shoulder level, and occasional lifting and carrying of files or material weighing up to 50 pounds.
- Must be willing to work with biohazardous agents (up to BSL2).
- The R&D laboratory will result in exposure to hot and cold temperatures, noise, fumes, limited dust, and oily coolants.
- The performance of this position will present exposure to an industrial environment and requires support and compliance with the published Company PPE policy including but not limited to the use of personal protective equipment such as safety glasses with side shields, appropriate attire, safety shoes, hard hat, hearing protection, etc.
Condition of Employment
As part of Debut’s pre-employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check prior to beginning employment. Additional types of background investigations may be conducted based on the job-related activities of the position.
Debut is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.
Salary: $80,000 - $100,000 per year
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