Analytical Chemist

Cellibre; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Cellibre is seeking an experienced Analytical Chemist to support development and commercialization of products produced through microbial precision fermentation. You will develop, validate, and implement analytical methods for small organic molecules and metabolites in fermentation matrices, combining hands-on chemistry with laboratory leadership.

The ideal candidate is curious, collaborative, and able to challenge existing approaches while delivering practical solutions in a fast-paced setting.

Qualifications

• PhD or MSc in Analytical Chemistry with 3+ years industry experience.
• Expertise in analytical method development using HPLC and GC.
• Strong instrument knowledge and data interpretation.
• Proven ability to design and execute analytical experiments.

Responsibilities

• Develop, validate, and implement analytical methods for new and existing projects.
• Operate and troubleshoot HPLC, UHPLC, LC-MS, GC, GC-MS, and NMR.
• Lead analytical workflows and collaborate with internal teams and external partners.
• Support technology transfer of analytical methods to CMOs and development partners.
• Coach scientists across the organization in sample preparation, analytical methods, instrumentation, and data interpretation.

Skills

Analytical method development

HPLC

GC

LC-MS

NMR

Data interpretation

Leadership

Communication

Education

PhD / MSc in Analytical Chemistry

Tools

Agilent HPLC/GC

ChemStation / MassHunter

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Analytical Chemist to support the development and commercialization of products produced through microbial precision fermentation.

The successful candidate will have strong expertise in analytical method development, validation, and implementation for the identification, quantification, and characterization of small organic molecules and metabolites in complex fermentation matrices.

This role combines hands-on analytical chemistry with laboratory leadership. The Analytical Chemist will establish analytical workflows, support multiple R&D programs, and collaborate closely with internal teams and external manufacturing and development partners.

The ideal candidate is scientifically curious, highly collaborative, self-directed, and comfortable working in a dynamic environment where challenging existing approaches and developing practical solutions are encouraged.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, validate, and implement analytical methods for new and existing projects.
• Apply a broad range of analytical techniques, including HPLC, UHPLC, LC-MS, GC, GC-MS, and NMR.
• Develop analytical methods for the separation, identification, quantification, and characterization of organic molecules and metabolites.
• Develop and implement high-throughput analytical workflows for screening large sample libraries.
• Design and execute sample-preparation and analytical workflows for fermentation-derived products in complex matrices.
• Perform routine analytical testing as well as investigation and identification of unknown compounds.
• Troubleshoot, maintain, and optimize analytical instrumentation to maximize laboratory uptime.
• Coach and train scientists across the organization in sample preparation, analytical methods, instrumentation, and data interpretation.
• Collaborate with R&D and other internal teams to provide scientific insight and interpretation of analytical results.
• Support technology transfer of analytical methods and workflows to external CMOs and development partners.
• Develop, maintain, and implement SOPs and QA/QC procedures for chemical products.
• Contribute to analytical strategy and provide technical leadership across multiple company programs.

Required Qualifications

• PhD or MSc in Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related discipline, with at least 3 years of relevant industry experience, preferably in pharmaceutical or biotechnology environments.
• Demonstrated expertise in analytical method development using HPLC and GC for separation, quantification, and characterization of organic molecules.
• Strong understanding of HPLC, GC, and MS instrumentation, including operation, troubleshooting, maintenance, and data interpretation.
• Demonstrated ability to independently design and execute analytical experiments and interpret complex analytical data.
• Strong communication, organizational, problem-solving, and leadership skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a dynamic, collaborative, and self-directed environment.

Preferred Qualifications

The following experience is highly desirable but not required:

• Experience with precision fermentation, fermentation-derived products, and analytical characterization of complex biological matrices.
• Experience with flash chromatography or small-molecule purification.
• Experience analyzing common fermentation components and byproducts, including:
• Sugars
• Organic acids
• Experience with small-molecule structure elucidation using MS, NMR, and complementary analytical techniques.
• Familiarity with Agilent HPLC and GC instrumentation and software (chemstation, masshunter etc).
• Experience developing and executing HPLC-based screening methods for large sample libraries (>10,000 samples).
• Experience with analytical technology transfer to external manufacturing or development partners.

What We're Looking For

Beyond technical expertise, we are looking for a scientist who:

• Takes ownership and can work independently.
• Is naturally curious and willing to challenge conventional approaches.
• Can balance hands-on laboratory work with other responsibilities.
• Communicates effectively across scientific disciplines.
• Thrives in a fast-moving, entrepreneurial environment.
• Is excited about applying analytical chemistry to fermentation-based manufacturing and novel bioproduct development.

Education Requirement

For positions at Cellibre, education is listed as a required qualification but may be overcome by equivalent relevant experience. Candidates who believe they are qualified based on their experience are encouraged to apply even if they do not precisely meet the stated educational requirement.