Production Chemist

ION Biosciences is a biotechnology company based in San Marcos, Texas. We are focused on the development and use of leading-edge fluorescent assay technologies to accelerate drug discovery research. Our product portfolio includes fluorescent ion indicators and cell health/cell metabolism reagents and kits to measure cell activities in response to compounds such as drugs or other extracellular cues.

ION Biosciences is offering a full-time position to join our Chemistry Production team in San Marcos, Texas. This role requires a strong background in organic synthesis techniques, working to synthesize or purify intermediates and final products in gram-scale quantities. This position reports to the Production Manager.

• Follow lab safety practices, wear appropriate PPE, maintain a clean work space and meticulously document experiments and results in e-lab notebook.
• Multi-step synthesis of gram scale products and intermediates for fluorescent ion indicators, following described experimental procedures and known synthetic routes.
• Conducting separation techniques including distillation, crystallization, filtration and extraction (including liquid-liquid).
• Performing purification techniques, mainly traditional column chromatography, recrystallization, preparative TLC and preparative LC.
• Work with standard equipment such as glass columns, round-bottomed flasks, hot plate/stirrers, rotary evaporators, vacuum pumps, lyophilizers, fume hoods and other standard laboratory glassware and equipment.
• Drafting documents formalizing your knowledge, procedures and results using basic terms and common computer skills.

• Bachelor’s of Science in Chemistry; focus in Organic Chemistry is preferred. PhDs will not be considered.
• 2+ years of experience in a synthetic chemistry production role, producing gram scale or greater quantities is preferred. Interviews will focus on synthetic chemistry skills.
• Familiarity with standard chemical reactions and work‑up skills is required. Monitoring reactions by TLC, developing mobile phases, refluxing, temperature control, drop‑wise addition and inert atmospheres should all be second nature to the appropriate applicant.
• Knowledge of common synthetic reactions like reductions, acetylations, esterifications, alkylations, couplings, hydrolysis, etc., is required.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Google Drive applications and Chem Draw are a plus.
• An ideal candidate has a working proficiency with liquid chromatographs such as an HPLC, LCMS or prep
  
  LC.

• Daily duties are performed in an office and laboratory setting.
• Minimum of 40 hours per week.
• May require lifting or moving items weighing up to 25 lbs.