Research Assistant – Automated Organic Synthesis

Onepot • South San Francisco, CA

4d

About The Position

We are revolutionizing organic chemistry with a fully automated synthesis platform. We combine high-throughput robotics and analytical technologies to accelerate small-molecule discovery.

Requirements

• B.S. or M.S. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• 1+ year experience in an organic chemistry laboratory (industry or academia).
• Familiarity with liquid-handling robots or analytical instrumentation.
• Basic scripting proficiency (Python, Bash) or demonstrated ability to quickly acquire these skills.
• Strong organizational skills with meticulous attention to detail.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in high-throughput experimentation or automated reaction work-ups.
• Knowledge of inert-atmosphere handling techniques (glovebox, Schlenk).
• Experience with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) or similar data-management software.
• Hands-on experience with spectroscopy and chromatography techniques.

Responsibilities

• Automated Synthesis Execution: Set up and run organic synthesis reactions using robotic liquid-handling systems (e.g., Opentrons OT-2), including sensitive reactions under inert conditions (glovebox, Schlenk lines) and photochemical reactions.
• Robotic Work-Up Automation: Implement automated protocols for quenching, extraction, filtration, and evaporation (e.g., plate-based evaporators).
• Stock Solution Preparation: Accurately weigh, dissolve, standardize, label, and organize reagent stock solutions and plates for robotic workflows.
• Reagent Receipt & Qualification: Receive incoming chemical reagents and lab consumables, perform quality inspections, document batch information, and maintain inventory accuracy.
• General Lab Maintenance: Manage shipping and receiving, maintain laboratory glassware and equipment, and perform routine upkeep to ensure seamless lab operations.
• Data Management: Accurately document reaction parameters, analytical data (LC-MS, GC-MS), and reagent metadata in electronic lab notebooks, ensuring data integrity for AI/ML model development.
• Instrument Maintenance: Regularly calibrate and maintain laboratory robotics, analytical instruments, and related equipment; troubleshoot technical issues as needed.
• Protocol & Software Development: Assist in writing and refining Python or Bash scripts for automating laboratory workflows, data parsing, plate mapping, and instrument control.
• Safety Compliance: Ensure adherence to chemical safety protocols, maintain accurate chemical inventories, and follow laboratory SOPs.

Benefits

• An exciting opportunity to contribute directly to groundbreaking automated chemical synthesis.
• Close collaboration with company founders, synthetic chemists, and machine learning experts.
• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits.
• A dynamic, innovative work environment where your contributions significantly advance scientific discovery.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level