Research Scientist I / II – High Throughput Chemistry
Iambic Therapeutics, Inc
Summary
We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Research Scientist to join our Discovery Chemistry team at Iambic Therapeutics in San Diego, CA. In this role, the ideal candidate will exploit their strong background in organic synthesis, catalysis, and reaction development to design, optimize, and execute high-throughput experiments to drive compound library campaigns. The successful candidate will deliver impact cross-functionally with chemistry, biology, compound management, AI/ML, and software teams across the discovery pipeline, leveraging Iambic's HTE platform to accelerate and strengthen our programs. This position will be based in our San Diego Headquarters.
Job description
Key Responsibilities
- Design and execute parallel synthetic methods to generate large, high-quality compound libraries.
- Identify, develop, and optimize novel synthetic methodologies with a focus on automation compatibility and HTE scalability.
- Apply newly developed synthetic routes from traditional bench-scale chemistry to robust, high-throughput, and automated processes.
- Oversee the operation, maintenance, and continuous advancement of our chemistry toolkit and automated synthesis equipment.
- Analyze research outcomes and library compound data and clearly communicate results and findings to cross-functional project teams.
- Ensure all laboratory work is conducted in accordance with established safety protocols and best laboratory and ELN data recording practices.
- Function as a core member of an interdisciplinary scientific team (chemistry, biology, software, and automation).
- Proactively identify bottlenecks, troubleshoot automated processes, and develop solutions to ensure business continuity.
Qualifications
Required:
- Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry with 0-5 years of industry experience or MS in Organic Chemistry with a minimum of 8 years of industry experience.
- Strong command of modern organic synthetic methods.
- Direct hands-on experience with High Throughput Chemistry and/or Parallel Synthesis.
- Experience with laboratory automation, liquid handling robotics, and automated analytical and purification systems.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, highly collaborative, and dynamic research environment.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills; must be able to articulate complex scientific concepts, technical challenges, and results clearly and concisely to diverse audiences.
- Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-volume environment where priorities and synthetic targets may shift rapidly based on biological data.
Strongly Preferred:
- Experience with Direct-to-Biology (D2B) strategies for drug discovery.
- Familiarity with the principles of medicinal chemistry.
- Prior experience mentoring interns or junior colleagues.
Requirements
- Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry with 0-5 years of industry experience or MS in Organic Chemistry with a minimum of 8 years of industry experience.
- Strong command of modern organic synthetic methods.
- Direct hands-on experience with High Throughput Chemistry and/or Parallel Synthesis.
- Experience with laboratory automation, liquid handling robotics, and automated analytical and purification systems.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, highly collaborative, and dynamic research environment.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
- Experience with Direct-to-Biology (D2B) strategies for drug discovery.
- Familiarity with the principles of medicinal chemistry.
- Prior experience mentoring interns or junior colleagues.
Benefits
- Competitive pay
- Company paid healthcare
- Flexible spending accounts
- Voluntary life insurance
- 401(k) matching
- Uncapped vacation
- Onsite gym
- Onsite dining
Company overview
Iambic Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company that leverages artificial intelligence to revolutionize drug discovery and development. Founded in 2019 and headquartered in San Diego, California, the company has developed a unique AI-driven platform that integrates physics-based algorithms with high-throughput experimental capabilities. Iambic's platform combines state-of-the-art technologies including NeuralPLexer for protein-ligand structure prediction, Enchant for clinical property prediction, and OrbNet for quantum chemistry acceleration. The company operates with a team of approximately 51-200 employees who bridge the gap between pioneering AI experts and experienced drug hunters. Iambic has demonstrated remarkable efficiency in advancing drug candidates to clinical trials, with its lead program IAM1363 already in Phase 1/1b studies for HER2-driven cancers. The company has raised over $300 million in funding and maintains strategic partnerships with pharmaceutical leaders like Lundbeck, focusing on addressing urgent unmet patient needs through innovative therapeutic approaches.