Associate Scientist - Synthetic Chemistry

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

Benefits offered by this job

Salary: $90,000 - $110,000 per year, +

Health, Vision, Dental Insurance

401(k) with match

Job summary

Epogee, a unit of Medici Brands, seeks an Associate Synthetic Chemistry Scientist to join the Epogee team in New York, driving bench-scale synthesis and process development for EPG (esterified propoxylated glycerol). This hands-on role emphasizes propoxylation, esterification, data generation, and close collaboration with R&D to advance SKUs.

You will work on safety-focused lab practices, maintain detailed records, and support process improvements while traveling for manufacturing operations as

Qualifications

• 1-3 years hands-on synthetic chemistry lab experience
• Practical experience running organic synthesis reactions at bench scale
• Familiarity with analytical techniques to monitor reaction progress and product quality
• Comfortable working with reactive or hazardous reagents
• Strong lab notebook and documentation practices
• Ability to work independently and troubleshoot experiments in real time

Responsibilities

• Follow safe handling procedures for reactive and hazardous reagents and maintain lab safety compliance.
• Execute propoxylation and esterification reactions at bench scale, following and refining established synthesis protocols.
• Troubleshoot reaction performance issues 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 and close the loop on synthesis optimization.

Skills

Synthetic chemistry

Bench-scale synthesis

Analytical techniques

Lab safety

Lab notebook

Troubleshooting

Independent work

Education

BS or MS in Organic Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Chemistry, or a related field

Job description

Company:

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 Protein 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

• 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

• 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.