Senior Scientist - Analytical Chemistry, Purification

About the role

We are seeking an experienced analytical chemist to own, develop, and run Satomic's chromatography-based purification fleet with SFC as the primary technique, LC in support, using mass spectrometry as primary for detection and fraction collection. This role is central to Satomic's mission: purification is a bottleneck and our throughput targets demand a fleet that runs as a coordinated, automation-friendly system built for throughput rather than as individual instruments.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and standardize high-throughput, mass-directed purification methods and workflows, from fraction collection logic through post-purification data and sample handling.
• Keep the fleet running through preventive maintenance and fast troubleshooting, and partner closely with our software and automation teams to scale the purification capabilities.
• Own, develop, and run Satomic's chromatography-based purification fleet with SFC as the primary technique, LC in support, using mass spectrometry as primary for detection and fraction collection.
• Collaborate with synthetic chemistry to understand sample characteristics upstream and deliver purified material that meets purity and quantity targets downstream.
• Partner with the software/automation team to integrate purification data flow with Analytical Studio (or equivalent) for automated submission, tracking, and reporting.
• Design and test partner-facing post-purification QC methods for outgoing products.
• Develop and validate a standardized method set (generic gradients, column selections, modifier choices) that covers ≥80% of small-molecule samples without per-sample method development.
• Author standard operating procedures for instrument operation, fraction collection logic, and routine maintenance for each instrument class.
• Establish minimum evaporation times for varying volumes of collected fractions from LC and SFC purifications, enabling process optimization.
• Define fraction consolidation logic, taking into consideration tradeoffs between purity, yield, and transfer process logistics.
• Optimize evaporation and sample consolidation process, maintaining evaporator uptime >80%.
• Reduce average purification turnaround time (sample submitted → purified compound delivered) by a measurable amount versus the 90-day baseline, with results quantified and reported.
• Build and deploy an automated purification workflow (queue management, automated fraction analysis, and structured data handoff); identified and integrated further automation that minimizes hands-on work per sample beyond submission.
• Train and mentor junior analytical staff into independent fleet operators.
• Contribute significantly to the analytical and purification arms of the platform in capacity, reliability, and technology innovation.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry, or related field with 4+ years of relevant industry experience; or M.S. with 6+ years of relevant industry experience; or B.S. with 10+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Extensive hands-on experience with chromatography-based purification of organic small molecules, with core expertise in SFC and strong experience in high throughput preparative LC and/or SFC.
• Mass-directed purification experience is strongly preferred.
• Strong experience operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting LC, LC/MS, and SFC/MS instruments at the hardware level (pumps, autosamplers, detectors, ESI sources, fraction collectors).
• Demonstrated ability to develop generic purification methods that work across diverse small-molecule sample sets at high throughput.
• Hands-on familiarity with Waters analytical and preparative SFC instrumentation and software is a plus, as well as with Agilent LC/MS systems. SFC depth gained on other platforms is equally valued.
• Familiarity with purification informatics and automation tools (Analytical Studio, Virscidian, OpenLab, MassLynx, Pipeline Pilot, KNIME, or equivalent).
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment.

Pay

This role offers a base salary of $140,000 - $160,000, along with meaningful equity ownership and competitive benefits. We are an early-stage company and design offers to balance cash compensation and long-term ownership. The salary range above reflects base pay only, and we work with candidates to build a package that aligns with their preferences. Final offers are based on a candidate's experience and expected impact.

Schedule

Compensation details provided.