Analytical Scientist

COMPANY

Octant is a clinical stage drug discovery company developing cor rectors for protein misfolding diseases with active programs in rare diseases and oncology. Octant’s platform, The Navigator, combines high-throughput synthetic biology, generative chemistry, and AI/ML to discover and develop therapeutics against complex cellular mechanisms in human cells.

JOB DESCRIPTION

We are seeking an innovative Analytical Scientist to join our dynamic and ante-disciplinary research team. A core focus of your role will be to expand the Octant Navigator platform for the generation of low-cost, high-throughput ADMET datasets to enable high quality mechanistic DMPK models.

The ideal candidate will bring a fresh perspective to traditional analytical chemistry, leveraging both lab-based and computational or data analysis skillsets to drive innovation. You are motivated by Octant’s mission and have a team-first mindset. You bring strong technical skills with cutting-edge analytical methods, excellent communication, and an ability to thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.

IN THIS ROLE, YOU WILL:

• Develop and implement high-throughput DMPK assays that are suitable for ML methods
• Identify, develop, and deploy chromatographic and mass spectrometric methodologies - including reversed-phase, HILIC, SFC, and 2D-LC/MS separations - to analyze small molecules to support both our in-house high throughput synthesis capabilities and ADME/PK property characterization.
• Design, optimize, and troubleshoot LC-MS/MS and UHPLC methods from first principles, including sample preparation, chromatographic separation, and data interpretation across complex biological matrices
• Analyze and develop methods to interpret complex analytical data using R, python, and/or other computational tools, and present findings to internal and external project teams
• Work hand-in-hand with machine learning scientists, software engineers, biologists, chemists, and automation engineers.

THIS JOB MIGHT BE GREAT FOR YOU IF YOU HAVE:

• A PhD in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Biology or a related discipline
• 3-5 years of post-PhD experience in analytical/bioanalytical research. Industry experience preferred.
• Deep technical expertise with analytical instrumentation including, but not limited to, HPLC, UPLC, LC-MS, LC-MS, CAD/MS, EchoMS (preferred), and various spectroscopic techniques
• Hands-on chromatographic method development experience across multiple modes - reversed-phase, normal-phase, HILIC, SEC, SFC, and 2D-LC/MS - with the ability to select and optimize the right separation strategy for a given analyte or matrix
• Strong familiarity with DMPK and its role in small molecule drug discovery. Experience with BBB assay development preferred, but not required.
• Experience with chromatography and/or MS data systems (e.g., SciexOS, Xcalibur, Mass Hunter, Chromeleon, Virscidian, Skyline) and the ability to independently analyze complex chromatographic datasets
• Strong computational skills including familiarity with R, python, command-line interfaces and/or statistical analysis
• Experience with laboratory automation platforms and high-throughput screening methods
• Flexibility to rapidly changing priorities and project needs, with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. Comfortable with ambiguity and able to pivot strategies as needed to meet project goals.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities, with a proactive approach to anticipating potential issues and addressing them before they become critical.
• A drive to build a successful company in your role as an analytical scientist and beyond.

Optional:
Along with your application, please share a paper/preprint/software repo that best highlights your…