Senior Associate Scientist I​/II, Purification Sciences

Job Summary

We are seeking a motivated and hands‑on Senior Associate Scientist I/II, Purification Sciences to support small‑molecule drug discovery. This individual will perform chromatography‑based purification, with a focus on preparative LC and preparative SFC, supporting medicinal chemistry and high‑throughput chemistry efforts. The ideal candidate will have practical laboratory experience with chromatographic purification and a strong interest in developing expertise in separation science, instrumentation, and high‑throughput purification workflows.

Experience with instrument maintenance and troubleshooting is highly desirable. This position will be based in our San Diego Headquarters.

• Perform routine and moderately complex small‑molecule purification using preparative LC and SFC, supporting medicinal chemistry and high‑throughput chemistry workflows.
• Develop and optimize purification methods, including column/mobile‑phase selection, gradients, sample loading, and fraction collection.
• Operate prep LC, prep SFC, analytical LC, and LC/MS systems and perform analytical QC of purified compounds.
• Perform routine instrument maintenance and troubleshoot common chromatography, fluidics, hardware, and software issues.
• Monitor instrument performance and proactively identify issues to maintain reliable laboratory operations and minimize downtime.
• Support high‑throughput and automated purification workflows, including sample submission, purification, fraction handling, compound recovery, and data reporting.
• Work closely with medicinal chemists and other scientists to prioritize samples and deliver purified compounds with appropriate purity, recovery, and turnaround time.
• Support evaluation and implementation of new purification methods, columns, instrumentation, and workflow improvements.
• Maintain accurate experimental and instrument documentation and contribute to laboratory best practices.

• B.S. or M.S. in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline with 3+ years of experience
• Relevant hands‑on laboratory experience in chromatography and small‑molecule purification; level will be determined based on experience and demonstrated technical capabilities.
• Working knowledge of chromatographic separation principles and method optimization.
• Strong attention to detail, problem‑solving skills, and ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced, collaborative research environment.

• Experience with preparative LC and/or preparative SFC is strongly preferred; SFC experience is highly desirable.
• Experience operating and troubleshooting chromatography instrumentation is strongly preferred.
• Experience with LC/MS‑based characterization and purity assessment is desirable.
• Experience with automated or high‑throughput laboratory workflows is desirable.
• Experience with Agilent, Shimadzu, SCIEX, or comparable platforms is a plus.

Iambic is a clinical‑stage life‑science and technology company developing novel medicines using its AI‑driven discovery and development platform. Based in San Diego and founded in 2020, Iambic has assembled a world‑class team that unites pioneering AI experts and experienced drug hunters. The Iambic platform has demonstrated delivery of new drug candidates to human clinical trials with unprecedented speed and across multiple target classes and mechanisms of action.

Iambic is advancing a pipeline of potential best‑in‑class and first‑in‑class clinical assets, both internally and in partnership, to address urgent unmet patient need. Learn more about the Iambic team, platform, pipeline, and partnerships .

Our mission is to deliver better medicines through innovations in…