Senior Chemist

About the role

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Chemist to join our dynamic team at Cleancard. The ideal candidate will bring broad chemical synthesis and modification expertise to help develop Cleancard’s point of care diagnostic platform. As a senior member of our team, you will work closely with Cleancard’s Chief Scientific Officer and Head of Product, and play a critical role in driving our R&D efforts. You will collaborate with experts across the fields of engineering, molecular biology, and assay development, to bring our first diagnostic offerings to market. This role is based in our San Francisco (Dogpatch) laboratory.

Even if you feel like you don’t meet all of the qualifications, we encourage you to apply!

Research shows that while men apply to jobs where they meet an average of 60% of the criteria, women and other underrepresented people tend to only apply when they meet 100% of the qualifications. At Cleancard, we welcome diverse perspectives and people who think rigorously and aren't afraid to challenge the status quo. Cleancard is an equal opportunity employer; we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment, free from discrimination or harassment, for all employees.

Key Responsibilities

• Aid in the development of a multiplex diagnostic assay by modifying surfaces and optimizing conjugation strategies to enhance assay sensitivity.
• Design, synthesize, and purify modifications of small-molecule reagents to improve solubility and enhance assay performance.
• Design and execute strategies to enhance the stability and solubility of reagents, including buffer systems and active compounds, for use in diagnostics.
• Perform analytical techniques and interpret data
• Help foster a culture of innovation and scientific excellence within the team.
• Provide input and chemistry expertise to support other R&D initiatives in team discussions and experimental planning.
• Present findings to internal and external stakeholders, including at scientific conferences and in peer-reviewed publications if required.

Qualifications

• Candidates should hold a graduate degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related field, and experience in academic or industry settings (PhD: 2+ years preferred; MS: 5+ years preferred).
• Candidates should have a demonstrated track record of success in synthetic chemistry, including the ability to design, execute, purify, and QC reactions that modify organic compounds to have desired properties. Experience working with porphyrin compounds is highly desirable, but not required.
• Able to independently acquire and interpret data assessing the products of synthetic reactions (NMR, FT-IR, mass spectrometry, TLC, HPLC, etc)
• Candidates with experience in with bioconjugation and/or surface modification are preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary team environment.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to innovation.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences.
• Ability to successfully participate in a fast-paced, highly creative and enthusiastic, start-up environment with people who are motivated to succeed together as a team.

Why Join Us

• Be part of a visionary team that is set to change the way diagnostic testing is done.
• Work in a collaborative and innovative environment with leading experts across various fields.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development in a fast-paced startup setting.
• Make a tangible impact on healthcare and improve patient outcomes through at-home diagnostics.