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Stealth Startup

Scientist/Senior Scientist - Analytical Chemistry

Stealth Startup, San Diego, California, United States, 92189

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Scientist / Senior Scientist – Analytical Chemistry Posted 1 day ago. Be among the first 25 applicants.

About Satomic

Satomic’s mission is to close the gap from idea to molecule with faster navigation of chemical space. We are building an automated chemistry platform that integrates laboratory robotics, software, and AI to transform small‑molecule synthesis and drug discovery. As an early‑stage startup, we are not only building the technology but also the playbooks, partnerships, and culture that will shape a new paradigm for drug discovery and chemistry at scale. Building an enduring company requires both world‑class execution and the courage to chart a course through uncertainty in these early days.

About the Role

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Analytical Chemist to join our team developing next‑generation automated chemistry workflows, with an emphasis in chromatography, mass spectrometry and other purification instrumentation. This role is critical to Satomic’s mission by innovating to accelerate purification and analysis bottlenecks that slow down access to novel chemistries for navigation of chemical space in a tangible way. The successful candidate will be a hands‑on technical leader, capable of solving complex analytical challenges, optimizing workflows, and ensuring high‑quality data generation for diverse chemistry campaigns.

Expected Outcomes By Day 30, You Will Have

Fully onboarded to all company policies and safety protocols

Influenced the design and implementation of analytical instrumentation

Developed and validated high‑throughput workhorse methods for small‑molecule compound analysis

By Day 90, You Will Have

Independent ownership of analytical instrumentation

Collaborate with the software development team on automated data analysis, processing, and reporting workflows for high‑throughput small‑molecule synthesis and integrated functional data reporting

Established and documented best practices for use and maintenance of all analytical instrumentation

Delivered standard operating procedures for routine instrument use to the synthetic chemistry team

By Year 1, You Will Have

Begun mentoring junior laboratory staff

Developed automated purification workflows across multiple scales of chemistry

Lead the automation of data flow from analytical platforms through purification instrumentation to final reporting

Expanded methods available to the synthetic chemistry team with additional column chemistries, mobile phase solvents, additives, etc.

Contributed analytical expertise to MVP chemistry campaign, ensuring quality data integrity

Contributed to planning of analytical instrumentation expansion and strategic alignment of analytical platform with company goals

Developed a proactive instrument maintenance and troubleshooting protocol to reduce system downtime

By Year 5, You Will Have

Become recognized as a subject matter expert in automated analytical chemistry workflows

Led cross‑functional initiatives resulting in improvements in data quality, sample throughput, and instrument integration

Shaped long‑term analytical chemistry strategy to ensure evolution of the platform to support evolving business goals

Qualifications

PhD in analytical chemistry or related discipline + 0‑4 years of relevant industry experience (or MS + 3‑7 years, or BS + 6‑10 years)

Strong background in chromatography, mass spectrometry, and purification techniques

Proven track record of method development, validation, and troubleshooting in complex analytical environments

Hands‑on experience with instrument setup, maintenance, and software integration, including data processing and reporting automation

Key Responsibilities

Influence analytical platform design, technology selection, and workflow automation strategies

Lead the setup, development, and ongoing maintenance of chromatography (HPLC, UPLC), mass spectrometry (LC‑MS, TOF), and purification systems

Develop, optimize, and validate robust analytical methods for high‑throughput and automated workflows

Integrate analytical instrumentation with automated synthesis and purification systems in collaboration with the platform engineering team

Develop and maintain methods for automated analysis of high‑throughput experimentation data

Troubleshoot complex, non‑routine analytical issues, identifying root causes and implementing sustainable solutions

Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to ensure analytical strategies align with project goals and platform capabilities

Provide technical guidance and mentorship to laboratory scientists and junior team members

Contribute to the development of best practices, SOPs, and training materials for analytical instrumentation and workflows

Interview Process Overview

15‑minute phone screen: the hiring manager will contact you to schedule a 10‑15 minute call. This is a chance for Satomic and your candidates to discuss interests, what to expect in the process, and answer any early questions.

3 x 45 minute interviews: the hiring manager will coordinate a block where you can have three back‑to‑back 45 minute interviews with different members of the Satomic team, who will ask questions about your past experience and fit for the role.

90‑minute final round: selected candidates will present a piece of past work that they believe is relevant to Satomic and the open position (45 minutes) and discuss a representative scenario with the interview panel (45 minutes). The scenario will be given to the candidate prior to the final interview.

Why Join Satomic? Join a team tackling frontier challenges in chemistry and the biggest bottleneck in drug discovery– an opportunity to shape not just Satomic, but the future of how molecules are discovered and made.

Diversity & Inclusion We know there’s a serious lack of diversity in our industry, and that needs to change. At Satomic, we’re committed to helping drive that change. Our culture is built on inclusion, humility, humanity, and ingenuity—values that guide how we work with one another and how we approach the challenges of scaling science. We believe that bringing together people with diverse perspectives, experiences, and ways of thinking is not just the right thing to do, but makes us stronger: we want every member of our team to feel they belong and can do the best work of their career here.

Our mission is to close the gap from idea to molecule. That mission carries responsibility: the chemistry we enable can accelerate access to life‑changing medicines and technologies, but it can also pose risks if used carelessly. We’re not agnostic to how our platform is applied—we care deeply about ensuring it is used for good. Building a team of diverse and thoughtful voices gives us the best chance of delivering a platform that not only advances the future of chemistry and drug discovery, but does so responsibly and with lasting positive impact on our world.

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