Analytical Scientist

COMPANY

Octant is a clinical stage drug discovery company developing correctors for protein misfolding diseases with active programs in rare diseases and oncology. Octant’s platform, The Navigator, combines high-throughput synthetic biology, generative chemistry, and AI/ML to discover and develop therapeutics against complex cellular mechanisms in human cells.

JOB DESCRIPTION

We are seeking an innovative Analytical Scientist to join our dynamic and ante-disciplinary research team. A core focus of your role will be to expand the Octant Navigator platform for the generation of low-cost, high-throughput ADMET datasets to enable high quality mechanistic DMPK models. 

The ideal candidate will bring a fresh perspective to traditional analytical chemistry, leveraging both lab-based and computational or data analysis skillsets to drive  innovation.  You are motivated by Octant’s mission and have a team-first mindset. You bring strong technical skills with cutting-edge analytical methods, excellent communication, and an ability to thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.

 IN THIS ROLE, YOU WILL:

• Develop and implement high-throughput DMPK assays that are suitable for ML methods 
• Identify, develop, and deploy chromatographic and mass spectrometric methodologies — including reversed-phase, HILIC, SFC, and 2D-LC/MS separations — to analyze small molecules to support both our in-house high throughput synthesis capabilities and ADME/PK property characterization.
• Design, optimize, and troubleshoot LC-MS/MS and UHPLC methods from first principles, including sample preparation, chromatographic separation, and data interpretation across complex biological matrices
• Analyze and develop methods to interpret complex analytical data using R, python, and/or other computational tools, and present findings to internal and external project teams
• Work hand–in-hand with machine learning scientists, software engineers, biologists, chemists, and automation engineers.

THIS JOB MIGHT BE GREAT FOR YOU IF YOU HAVE:

• A PhD in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Biology or a related discipline 
• 3-5 years of post-PhD experience in analytical/bioanalytical research.  Industry experience preferred.
• Deep technical expertise with analytical instrumentation including, but not limited to, HPLC, UPLC, LC-MS, LC-MS, CAD/MS, EchoMS (preferred), and various spectroscopic techniques
• Hands-on chromatographic method development experience across multiple modes — reversed-phase, normal-phase, HILIC, SEC, SFC, and 2D-LC/MS — with the ability to select and optimize the right separation strategy for a given analyte or matrix
• Strong familiarity with DMPK and its role in small molecule drug discovery. Experience with BBB assay development preferred, but not required. 
• Experience with chromatography and/or MS data systems (e.g., SciexOS, Xcalibur, MassHunter, Chromeleon, Virscidian, Skyline) and the ability to independently analyze complex chromatographic datasets
• Strong computational skills including familiarity with R, python, command-line interfaces and/or  statistical analysis
• Experience with laboratory automation platforms and high-throughput screening methods
• Flexibility to rapidly changing priorities and project needs, with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. Comfortable with ambiguity and able to pivot strategies as needed to meet project goals.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities, with a proactive approach to anticipating potential issues and addressing them before they become critical.
• A drive to build a successful company in your role as an analytical scientist and beyond.

Optional: Along with your application, please share a paper/preprint/software repo that best highlights your strengths so we can better understand work you've led. If there is nothing public, please summarize that work in a few paragraphs. We'd love to also hear about things you've been proud to build or lead outside of science.

The expected annual salary for this role is in the range of $135,000 to $155,000, depending on experience level. We offer health benefits (medical, dental, vision), equity, and 401(k) matching.

Octant is located in Emeryville, California and we work onsite.

Octant is an equal opportunity company that values applicants of all backgrounds. We’re committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment. We value less traditional backgrounds, and may consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. We know that confidence-gap and imposter syndrome can get in the way of meeting spectacular candidates, so please don’t hesitate to apply — we’d love to hear from you.

OCTANT’S NAVIGATOR PLATFORM:

Octant’s Platform, “The Navigator,” accelerates the design, build, test, & learn iterations across chemistry and biology to build drugs against cellular mechanisms. The Navigator is an expanding set of drug discovery and development capabilities with three interwoven components that operate together: 

• Generative Biology – Multiplexed measurements from engineered sensors in human cells to understand cellular mechanisms
• Generative Chemistry – Nanoliter-scale chemical synthesis for rapid exploration of local & targeted chemical space 
• Generative AI – ML/AI ingests large-scale biological and chemical datasets and drives iteration of experiments to build better molecules faster

Together, the Navigator platform drives week-to-week progress on our drug programs, generative 3M+ readouts each week across multiple therapeutic areas.