Associate Scientist, Organic Chemistry

About The Role

Join a dynamic, mission-driven research team based in San Francisco with backgrounds from prestigious institutions such as MIT, Harvard Medical School, and Roche. The environment values fast, rigorous work accompanied by enthusiasm, determination, and a robust work ethic. This early-stage setting is ideal for individuals who can clarify ambiguous challenges, take initiative with next steps, and execute effectively.

Capable Labs fosters ambition and integrity, encouraging personal development and significant responsibility earned through contribution rather than title. Team members receive close feedback from scientific leaders and have opportunities to tackle increasingly critical problems.

Key Responsibilities

• Carry out and improve workflows for synthesizing small molecules and peptides, encompassing route design, reaction execution, workup, purification, analytical assessment, and preparing samples for biological evaluation.
• Plan, conduct, and troubleshoot organic synthesis including medicinal chemistry techniques such as functional group modifications, coupling reactions, protecting group applications, late-stage diversification, and parallel synthesis.
• Utilize both solid-phase and solution-phase synthesis methods, including resin-based chemistry steps like coupling, deprotection, cleavage, analysis, purification, and quality control of final compounds.
• Address complex chemical issues such as low reaction conversion, poor selectivity, side-product formation, decomposition, incomplete deprotection, solubility difficulties, purification challenges, and equipment malfunctions.
• Purify and analyze compounds using techniques including analytical and preparative HPLC, LC-MS, NMR, flash chromatography, and SFC. Document compound identity, purity, yields, and batch QC data prior to handoff.
• Prepare compounds for in vitro and in vivo research, maintain detailed experimental records, and communicate results, potential issues, timelines, and risks clearly to the team.
• Contribute to designing subsequent compounds by providing chemical insights related to synthetic feasibility, structure-activity relationships (SAR), purity, yield, stability, solubility, and structure-property connections.

Candidate Profile

• Possess practical laboratory chemistry experience and sound experimental judgment; educational background is flexible with emphasis on quick learning and high-quality output.
• Motivated to manage complete synthesis workflows independently, from compound design through reaction execution, purification, characterization, and preparation for testing, with urgency and care.
• Enjoy creative problem-solving, iterative development, and maintaining scientific rigor.
• Interested in closely connecting chemical synthesis outcomes with biological activity, using in vitro and in vivo data to guide iterative design.
• Exhibit strong initiative and responsibility by proactively troubleshooting challenges such as instrument failures, unexpected synthesis outcomes, or clarification needs to ensure smooth progress.

Compensation and Benefits

• Annual salary range from $90,000 to $140,000, supplemented by equity options currently estimated to hold value between $50,000 and $200,000, subject to exercise cost, taxes, dilution, and liquidity risks.
• Salary will be tailored to the candidate's expertise, experience, and potential impact; candidates outside the salary range may discuss opportunities based on their contribution scope.
• A monthly wellness allowance of over $500 for activities such as fitness, supplements, coaching, and recovery to support optimal performance.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage with the company covering 100% of base policy costs.
• Access to Health Savings Account (HSA), Flexible Spending Account (FSA), and 401(k) retirement plans.
• Daily provision of healthy team dinners.
• Support for visa sponsorship including O-1, H-1B, J-1, TN, and other employment visas, embracing an international team from multiple countries.

Application Process

• Submit initial application.
• Participate in two phone interviews.
• Attend an in-person work trial in San Francisco designed for mutual fit assessment and to meet the founding team.

Additional Information

Applicants who may not perfectly match the job description but are excited by the opportunity are encouraged to apply. Referrals are welcomed and include a thank-you bonus if the referred candidate joins.