Research Associate or Senior Research Associate, Natural Products Chemistry
Company Description
LifeMine Therapeutics, Inc. is the first biotechnology company exploiting the unique ability of fungi to produce powerful drugs optimized through billions of years of evolution, with the overall mission to discover and deploy new molecules for the treatment of intractable human diseases via novel biological mechanisms. The company is using genome mining and synthetic biology approaches to mount a massive campaign for finding novel drugs throughout the fungal biosphere. With operations in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and Manhattan, New York, LifeMine brings a unique approach to its revolutionary scientific and medical mission.
Job Summary
We are seeking a highly motivated Bachelor’s or Master’s-level chemist to join our Natural Products team with a primary focus on extraction, analysis, purification, and characterization of target compounds from fungal fermentation cultures. As such, applicants should have experience and demonstrated success with all aspects of laboratory techniques related to extraction, isolation, and purification of small- and medium-sized molecules. A key aspect of the role will be collaboration across diverse scientific functions (e.g. Biochemistry, Microbiology, Synthetic Biology) to support multiple programs in parallel to deliver effective solutions to advance our Discovery efforts.
Job Responsibilities
· Design, develop, and execute various fermentation extraction protocols (solvent and resin
based) to prepare crude extracts for biophysical and biochemical assay screening.
· Purify crude extracts to enriched fractions or single compounds via HPLC and other separation
techniques.
· Analyze and characterize purified compounds by LCMS, NMR, and other analytical techniques.
· Collaborate with other functions to manage pipeline of incoming and processed fermentation
experiments.
· Share inventory management responsibilities with the team to ensure common consumables
(e.g. vials, cartridges, chemicals and solvents) are continuously in stock.
· Follow all safety and operational laboratory SOPs.
· Document experiments and data in laboratory notebooks in an accurate and timely manner.
· Prepare and present experimental results at R&D meetings.
Job Requirements
· Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, or closely related
field. A minimum of 1 - 2 years of industry experience preferred.
· Experience in isolation and purification of low and medium molecular weight organic molecules
(e.g. up to 1 kD), including use of normal-phase (e.g. flash chromatography) and reverse-phase
(e.g. LCMS, analytical and preparative HPLC) analytical and separation techniques.
· Ability to develop novel analytical and separation conditions preferred but not required.
· Experience with modern spectroscopic characterization techniques (e.g. NMR, MS, UV-Vis).
· Knowledge of fungi preferred but not required.
· Excellent written, organizational (e.g. time management) and documentation skills with
exceptional attention to detail.
· Ability to work collaboratively in teams and to give/receive constructive feedback.
· Facility with effective communication with colleagues and managers.
· Strong understanding and familiarity with laboratory methods and safety protocols.
· The successful candidate should be a quick learner, self-starter, enjoy working in a fast-paced
dynamic team environment, and be motivated to develop and apply new technologies to
advance the projects efficiently.