Organic 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 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 Operations 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, gram-scale synthesis of products and intermediates for fluorescent ion indicators, following described experimental procedures and known synthetic routes.
• Performing purification and separation techniques including distillation, crystallization, filtration and extraction (including liquid-liquid), column chromatography, recrystallization, preparative TLC and preparative LC.
• Occasional duties might include researching, designing and synthesizing novel molecules for R&D, client projects and new product development.
• 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.
• 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, named reactions and work-up skills is required. Monitoring reactions by TLC, developing mobile phases, and setting up glassware should all be second nature to the appropriate applicant.
• 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 prepLC.

• 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 40 lbs.