Senior Research Associate, Chemistry

Ultima Genomics; Iowa; On-site; USD 48,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

Ultima Genomics is seeking a Senior Research Associate, Chemistry for an onsite contract in Fremont, CA. The role operates on a Friday–Monday 4 days x 10 hours shift after training, producing chemical intermediates and final compounds in a quality environment.

The ideal candidate has an MS in Chemistry (or BS with experience), strong organic chemistry skills, and the ability to work with SOPs, maintain equipment, and collaborate across teams while adhering to safety and regulatory standards.

Qualifications

• MS in Chemistry with 4+ years of hands-on industrial experience (or BS with 5 years) in organic/process chemistry.
• Ability to perform small-molecule organic chemistry reactions and improve production processes.
• Collaborative team player able to work within cross-functional teams and follow procedures.
• Meticulous, detail-oriented, with good documentation and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor chemical production equipment to make intermediates and final compounds according to SOPs.
• Scale-up production and purify using prep-LC, ion exchange, flash chromatography, and rotary evaporation.
• Perform in-process testing (HPLC, UV, LCMS, pH, fluorometer) to assess identity and purity.
• Maintain and calibrate shared lab equipment; support maintenance and SOP updates.
• Contribute to weekly chemistry meetings and training to develop skills.
• Ensure safety, ISO/OSHA compliance, and proper chemical inventory management.
• Support other teams as needed and perform additional duties.

Skills

Organic synthesis

Cross-functional teams

SOP compliance

Documentation & reporting

Time management

Education

MS in Chemistry

BS in Chemistry

Tools

HPLC

LCMS

UV

PH meter

Job description

Rapidly Growing Life Sciences Technology Company

Ultima Genomics is a rapidly growing company that is developing ground-breaking genomics technologies. Our mission is to continuously drive the scale of genomic information to enable unprecedented advances in biology and improvements in human health. We have developed a foundational new approach to sequencing at scale that overcomes limitations due to the high costs of current technologies. We are well-funded and have raised approximately $600 million from global top-tier investors. Our team brings together unique and diverse expertise across multiple disciplines, from healthcare and life sciences, to engineering, to technology and software and beyond. We are a collaborative group, including successful entrepreneurs, chemists, hardware and software engineers, genomics and biotechnology experts, molecular and computational biologists, software and algorithm experts, and operations and commercial leaders. Join us to develop and commercialize technologies that unleash the power of genomics at scale and empower the future of human health.

We are looking for a highly motivated Senior Research Associate, Chemistry to join our Process Chemistry team!

This opportunity is an onsite contracting position that operates on a Friday-Monday shift (4 days x 10 hours, after initial training) based in our Fremont, CA office. In this role, you will be involved in the production of high-quality chemical intermediates and final compounds within a quality environment. The ideal candidate will be able to work with minimal supervision, hold at least a BSin Chemistry or a closely related field, and have a strong interest in applying scientific principles to real-world manufacturing processes. After training, you will be expected to identify and solve routine problems with little assistance and adhere to all industry standards and regulatory requirements.

How You'll Contribute

• Operate and monitor chemical production equipment to manufacture chemical intermediates and final compounds. Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) and batch records to ensure accurate and consistent production
• Scale-up production of organic chemistry intermediates and purification using automated preparative liquid-chromatography (prep-LC), ion exchange chromatography, flash chromatography, and rotary evaporation
• Maintain quality standards by conducting in-process testing and analysis, by following well-established SOP assays using HPLC, UV, LCMS, pH meter, and/or fluorometer to access intermediate identity, purity, pH, and concentration
• Assist with routine maintenance of shared laboratory equipment and ensure instruments are up to date with calibration, preventative maintenance, and perform to specifications
• Assist with updating and/or writing new SOPs, and present weekly activities at chemistry meetings
• Participate in ongoing training to develop technical skills and enhance your understanding of chemical manufacturing processes
• Adhere to all safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements, including OSHA and ISO standards, to maintain a safe and compliant working environment
• Manage and maintain chemical inventory and support other teams on occasion
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications, Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• MS in Chemistry, with a minimum of 4 years of hands-on industrial experience (or BS with 5 years) in an organic or process chemistry environment
• Ability to perform small-molecule organic chemistry reactions and contribute to improving and streamlining production processes
• A collaborative team player who communicates well and is eager to contribute within cross-functional teams to support shared goals and drive organizational success
• Meticulous and detail oriented, motivated and eager to learn, ability to follow technical procedures with consistent results, and document all work performed
• Excellent organizational, communication and time management skills
• May be exposed to constant activity that requires intermittent standing, bending, crouching, pushing/pulling, lifting/moving/carrying (up to 50 lbs)

This contracting position offers an hourly pay rate between $35/hour and $/42hour, and your actual base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.

#LI-Onsite

Ultima Genomics is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable laws. See also Ultima Genomics' EEO Policy and Know Your Rights. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know by contacting [e-mail].