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.

Role Overview

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Research Assistant or Associate Scientist in Analytical Chemistry to support the development of automated chemistry workflows with a focus on chromatography, mass spectrometry, and 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 perform analytical experiments, optimize high-throughput methods, and critically review and interpret experimental results to generate high-quality data that accelerates compound analysis and purification. This position is hands-on and laboratory-based, providing an opportunity to learn and contribute to the development of next-generation analytical approaches.

Expected Outcomes

By 30 days, you will have:

• Fully onboarded to all company policies, lab operations, and safety protocols
• Achieved proficiency in basic instrument operation, consistently generating high-quality datasets for review with minimal supervision
• Begun running routine analyses and data processing and reporting

By 90 days, you will have:

• Independent responsibility for routine operation and upkeep of assigned instrumentation
• Executed standard analytical methods for small molecule analysis, running >20,000 samples
• Successfully manage the full end-to-end purification workflow for a batch of 48 samples per instrument, per day
• Written standard operating procedures for assigned instrumentation
• Presented internally about analytical challenges regarding instrumentation, software, data quality, and platform integration to the wider team

By 1 year, you will have:

• Analyzed cross-sections of 5 high-throughput datasets, identifying and cataloging unique characteristics of sample composition
• Independently supported multiple synthetic chemistry efforts with high quality analytical processes and data
• Begun training  junior lab staff on routine tasks and good lab practices 
• Identified sources of inefficiency in both analysis and purification workflows, resulting in process improvements that increase real throughput and/or lower costs and/or instrument up-time by 15%

By 5 years, you will have:

• An established expertise in automated high-throughput analytical workflows
• Taken on advanced troubleshooting and method development with guidance from others on the chemistry team
• Contributed significantly to the expansion of the analytical and purification arms of the platform in capacity, reliability, and technology innovation

Key Responsibilities

• Perform analytical and purification experiments and protocols
• Contribute to data processing and reporting automation
• Engage in regular cross sectional reviews of analytical and preparative datasets
• Maintain and perform basic troubleshooting of analytical and purification instrumentation
• Manage inventory and track usage of analytical consumables and standards
• Collaborate with synthetic chemistry, software, and automation teams to provide analytical chemistry support and feedback
• Contribute to the development of standard operating procedures and ensure compliance with best and safe lab practices

Qualifications

• BS in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, or related discipline + 0-4 years of relevant experience, or MS + 0 years. Title flexible commensurate with experience.
• Hands-on experience with analytical and preparative HPLC/UPLC and LC-MS required. Experience with high-throughput experimentation is preferred.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience with hand tools, mechanical, fluidics, and electrical, and microelectronics

Overview of Satomic's Interview Process

• 15-minute phone screen: the hiring manager will contact you to schedule a 10-15 minute call to give you a sense of what to expect and answer process questions.
• 3 x 45 minute interviews: the hiring manager will coordinate a block where you will have three 45 minute interviews back to back with different members of the Satomic team, who will ask questions about your past experience and fit for the role.
• 60 minute final round: candidates that are selected for the final round will be asked to present on their past work relevant to the open position (30 minutes) and discuss a representative scenario ("case study") live with the interview panel (30 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.