Chemist / Senior Chemist

About the job

SiPhox Health, a Khosla Ventures, Intel Capital, and Y Combinator-backed startup, is commercializing next-generation diagnostics using silicon photonics, a platform technology for optics miniaturization that has revolutionized the data center industry over the last two decades. Our chip-based solution combines state-of-the-art biochemistry, photonics, electronics, and microfluidics to provide the power of large laboratory instruments in a portable device.

We are seeking an exceptional scientist to be part of an exciting, externally funded project to push the boundaries of continuous monitoring of complex biological systems. Our goal is to develop state-of-the-art sensor technology that will revolutionize fields ranging from medical diagnostics to biomanufacturing. If you are passionate about driving innovation and making a tangible impact in biotechnology, we invite you to join us as we explore this new frontier.

Role Overview:

We are looking for a Chemist or Senior Chemist with solid organic chemistry and solid phase chemistry experience & knowledge, expertise in bioconjugation & purification in particular antibodies. You will develop novel chemistry schemes, verify by analytical chemical tools and internal assay configuration, and support internal needs for R&D and commercialization.

Responsibilities

• Synthesize bioconjugates and nanoparticles using established chemistries.
• Develop new bioconjugation and nanoparticle conjugation methodologies.
• Purify bioconjugates and nanoparticle conjugates using techniques such as size exclusion chromatography, ion-exchange chromatography, affinity chromatography, and hydrophobic interaction chromatography.
• Optimize protein, antibody, and nanoparticle conjugation and purification methods.
• Characterize bioconjugates and nanoparticle conjugates with techniques including UV/Vis, fluorescence, HPLC, and MS.
• Perform functional verification through internal immunoassay configurations.
• Ensure accurate, complete, and timely records (test records and laboratory notebooks) in compliance with ISO 13485, FDA 21 CFR 820, 21 CFR Part 11, EU Medical Device Regulations 93/42/EEC, and EU MDR/2017 where applicable.
• Stay up-to-date with current technology-related information and literature. Conduct project-related information searches, including extensive literature reviews if required.
• Demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills across departments. Maintain appropriate laboratory records, notebooks, and formal company documentation as required.
• Solve complex problems by analyzing situations or data, exercising judgment within broadly defined practices and policies to reach appropriate conclusions and follow-up actions.
• Note: SiPhox is a fast-paced startup, and this is a fully in-person job that can sometimes require working long hours to meet deadlines.

Qualifications

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• 2-8 years of experience in the production, purification, and characterization of conjugate molecules at research and medium scales is preferred.
• Experience with bioconjugates or drug delivery modalities such as targeted peptides, oligonucleotides, or antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), including site-specific approaches.
• Direct experience in immunoassay method development, optimization, and data analysis using general-purpose programming languages such as Python, R, or Matlab is preferred.
• In-depth experience with laboratory equipment and lab safety protocols.
• CLIA experience is a plus.
• Experience with point-of-care and/or at-home devices is a plus.
• Experience with label-free sensors is a plus.
• Experience with biochips, microarrays, and microfluidics is a plus.

Personal Characteristics

• Sets and achieves ambitious goals, delivering outstanding and measurable results.
• Exhibits absolute personal integrity and credibility; acts with a small-team mentality but delivers outsized results.
• Passionate about excellence.
• Willing to take risks and challenge conventional solutions.
• Creative thinker, able to think outside the box and strategically.