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Planet Pharma

Senior Scientist, Analytical Chemistry

Planet Pharma, South San Francisco, CA


Senior Scientist, Analytical Chemistry The Position:  We are seeking an experienced, energetic, and enthusiastic individual to join the Analytical and Formulation Sciences group within the Drug Discovery department. This lab-based role is perfect for someone eager to deepen their expertise in analytical, formulation, and separation sciences along with physical chemical property measurement.   In this role, you will play a crucial part in supporting the Drug Discovery group as we strive to bring new medicines to patients. As a key member of project teams, you’ll collaborate with experts in medicinal chemistry, DMPK, pharmacology, and biomarker departments. Together, you’ll help advance our programs from initial screening to clinical nomination. You’ll have the opportunity to work with top-of-the-line analytical instrumentation, including LCMSMS, Agilent HPLC 1260, Waters LCMS, PLM, Dissolution Apparatus, and a Rigaku Miniflex XRPD.  Your Impact: Independently develop chromatography methods with different modes such as normal phase, reverse phase, chiral and achiral for diverse compounds to support Drug Discovery projects. Apply extensive hands-on experience to operate, maintain and troubleshoot mass spectrometers such as single-Q, Triple-Q, Q-TOF, Orbitrap, as well as SFC chromatography instruments. Independently develop LCMS methods for characterizing advanced lead compounds, including but not limited to impurity profile, degradant identification, and structure elucidation of major impurities and degradants. Conduct solid form measurements including thermodynamic solubility, particle size, polyforms, melting point, salt, and water content analysis. Perform solid form measurements for advanced lead compounds; including solubility, particle size and polyform assessment, melting point, salt and water content of each lot. Author analytical protocols and reports. Provide suggestions and troubleshoot potential issues in ongoing drug discovery projects. Coordinate and provide oversight during assay transfer between the company and external partner groups. You will provide scientific mentorship and technical guidance for junior colleagues.  Skills and Qualifications:  PhD with 7+ years or Master's with 10+ years of relevant experience in an academic, biotech, or pharmaceutical industry Degree in Analytical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related discipline Extensive hands-on experience with HPLC, LCMS, LCMSMS, ELSD, or CAD, Karl Fisher, Ion Chromatography, DSC, and reverse phase/normal phase/chiral chromatography Strong method development skills including experience with reverse phase, normal phase and SFC liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry, fragmentation mass spectrometry, ELSD/CAD, and SFC separations. Experience in analytical assay development, quantitative analysis, impurity elucidation, high throughput QC, and library screening. Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills for cross-functional collaboration.