Associate Scientist - Synthetic Chemistry

Epogee; New York (NY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company equity options

Health insurance

Vision insurance

Dental insurance

401(k) with match

Gym expenses

PTO

Travel for operations

Job summary

Epogee is seeking an Associate Synthetic Chemistry Scientist to join our team in New York City, supporting the synthesis and process development of EPG at bench scale. This hands-on role involves executing propoxylation and esterification, troubleshooting performance, and generating data for process improvements and SKU development.

You will collaborate with the R&D team to translate results into actionable recommendations.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Organic Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Chemistry, or related field.
• 1–3 years of hands-on synthetic chemistry lab experience.
• Experience running organic synthesis at bench scale (setup, workup, purification).
• Familiarity with analytical techniques (titration, GC, GPC).
• Comfort handling reactive or hazardous reagents with safety protocols.
• Strong notebook and documentation practices.
• Ability to troubleshoot experiments independently in real time.

Responsibilities

• Follow lab safety procedures and maintain compliance.
• Execute propoxylation and esterification at bench scale.
• Troubleshoot synthesis yield and selectivity issues.
• Support raw material qualification and feedstock testing.
• Assist with reaction monitoring and kinetic characterization.
• Prepare EPG analogs for evaluation.
• Maintain synthesis records and batch documentation.
• Operate synthesis equipment and maintain lab gear.
• Collaborate with analytical team to interpret data.

Skills

Hands-on synthetic chemistry

Lab safety and documentation

Problem solving

Independent work

Education

BS or MS in Organic Chemistry or related field

Tools

GC

GPC

Titration methods

Job description

Epogee is a food science and lipid chemistry company developing novel structured lipids for the food industry. Our flagship ingredient, EPG® (esterified propoxylated glycerol), is a patented fat alternative with 92% fewer calories than traditional fats. EPG can be used in a wide variety of food applications (e.g., frying and baking, as well as confectionery and snack applications).

Note: Epogee is a subsidiary of Medici Brands. David's is another brand currently operating as a subsidiary of Medici Brands. While this role will be listed through David's hiring channels, the Associate Scientist, Quality will operate exclusively within Epogee's independent team, leadership, and mission.

The Role:

Epogee is seeking an Associate Synthetic Chemistry Scientist to join our team supporting the synthesis and process development of EPG (esterified propoxylated glycerol) at bench-scale. This is a hands-on role for someone who thrives on working in a laboratory environment. You will have the opportunity to support the innovation of new EPG molecules by executing and optimizing propoxylation and esterification reactions, troubleshooting synthesis performance, and generating data needed to support process improvements, scale-up and new SKU development. You'll work closely with other members of the R&D team to translate results into actionable recommendations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Follow safe handling procedures for reactive and hazardous reagents and maintain lab safety compliance to contribute to a culture of safety
• Execute propoxylation and esterification reactions at bench scale, following and refining established synthesis protocols
• Troubleshoot reaction performance issues (yield, selectivity, byproduct formation) and propose process modifications
• Support raw material qualification and incoming feedstock testing for synthesis inputs
• Assist with reaction monitoring to characterize reaction kinetics and inform process control strategies
• Prepare novel EPG analogs or process intermediates for evaluation by the applications and analytical teams
• Maintain detailed synthesis records, batch documentation, and safety data suitable for stage-gate review and technology transfer
• Operate and maintain synthesis-related lab equipment (reactors, glassware, controlled-atmosphere/pressure systems)
• Collaborate with analytical scientists to interpret characterization data (GPC, DSC, titration-based methods) and close the loop on synthesis optimization

What you'll bring:

• BS or MS in Organic Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Chemistry, or a related field
• 1-3 years of hands-on synthetic chemistry lab experience (industry or academic)
• Practical experience running organic synthesis reactions at bench scale, including setup, workup, and purification
• Familiarity with basic analytical techniques used to monitor reaction progress and product quality (e.g., titration, GC, GPC)
• Comfortable working with reactive or hazardous reagents under appropriate safety protocols
• Strong lab notebook and documentation practices
• Ability to work independently and troubleshoot experimental issues in real time

Practicalities:

• This is a full-time, in-office role based in New York City. We work onsite five days a week- when the culture fits, it is fun to be in the office together.
• Salary: $90,000 - $110,000 per year, inclusive of bonus.
• Company equity options.
• 100% covered Health, Vision, Dental Insurance.
• 401(k) with 4% match.
• Additional perks, such as covered gym expenses.
• Substantial and required PTO.
• Travel will be required to assess manufacturing operations.