Sr. Scientist, Organic Electrochemistry

Atlas Data Storage; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Atlas Data Storage in South San Francisco seeks a hands-on expert in Organic Electrochemistry and Electrocatalysis to drive microelectrode-based DNA synthesis on high-density arrays. You will design high-throughput electrochemical experiments, optimize redox pathways, and collaborate with biochemists and CMOS engineers to achieve high-fidelity enzyme-driven synthesis.

This role demands deep understanding of reaction mechanisms, CV/SWV analysis, and bench-level execution with cross-disciplinary

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemistry with emphasis on Organic Electrochemistry, Electrocatalysis, or Physical Organic Chemistry.
• Minimum 2 years (Ph.D.) of postgraduate experience in an industrial R&D setting or academic lab with bench contributions.
• Direct experience setting up and executing organic reactions on microelectrode arrays or functionalized solid supports.
• Strong grasp of physical organic chemistry, reaction mechanisms, and redox mediator behavior under potential control.
• Experience with electrochemical characterization (CV, SWV) for synthesis pathways.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute high-throughput experimental plans to probe and confine organic reactions at micro-electrode interfaces.
• Develop and optimize novel synthetic organic electrochemical methodologies for high-density electrode arrays.
• Manipulate electron-transfer kinetics and redox pathways to maximize yield and current efficiency.
• Collaborate with protein biochemists, microfluidics experts, surface chemists, and CMOS hardware designers.
• Document breakthroughs and present findings to R&D leadership.
• Contribute as an independent contributor and a strong team player.

Skills

Organic electrochemistry

Electrocatalysis

Electrochemical characterization

Microelectrode arrays

bench proficiency

Education

Ph.D. in Chemistry

2+ years postdoc/industry R&D

Tools

Cyclic Voltammetry

Square Wave Voltammetry

Microelectrode arrays setup

Job description

Atlas Data Storage is redefining the boundaries of information technology. We are developing a high-throughput, massively parallel platform that uses synthetic DNA as the ultimate storage medium. By integrating advanced enzymatic synthesis with CMOS-based semiconductor technology, we are building a bridge between biological molecules and digital data.

Role Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated, hands-on expert in Organic Electrochemistry, Electrocatalysis, and Microarray Electrosynthesis. Rather than using electrochemistry as a passive diagnostic or analytical tool, you will actively manipulate organic electrochemical pathways to drive, control, and confine micro-scale synthetic reactions on high-density arrays. Your primary goal is to master the electrochemical environment within our chip architecture to ensure massively parallel and high-fidelity enzymatic DNA synthesis.

Responsibilities

This is a heavily bench-intensive, execution-focused role. You will serve as the primary subject matter expert in electrochemical synthesis mechanism design on micro-fabricated substrates. Your mission is to actively engineer the electrocatalytic environment within our chip architecture to ensure highly localized, high-fidelity molecular synthesis. You will bridge the gap between physical organic reaction mechanisms, redox-mediated pathways, and micro-scale spatial chemical confinement.

• Design and execute high-throughput experimental plans to probe, optimize, and electrochemically confine organic reactions occurring at the micro-electrode interface, significantly minimizing background reactions or active-site crosstalk.
• Develop and optimize novel synthetic organic electrochemical methodologies — specifically utilizing potential/current control and redox-mediated pathways — to drive chemical transformations within high-density electrode arrays.
• Manipulate electron-transfer kinetics, radical/redox intermediates, overpotentials, and mass transport phenomena at the electrode interface to maximize synthetic yield and current efficiency.
• Partner directly with protein biochemists, microfluidics experts, surface chemists, and CMOS hardware designers to optimize the conditions for enzyme-driven DNA synthesis.
• Document technical breakthroughs through detailed data reporting and present findings to the R&D leadership team.
• Be both a strong individual contributor as well as a collaborative team member.

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Chemistry with a strong focus on Organic Electrochemistry, Electrocatalysis, or Physical Organic Chemistry.
• Minimum 2 years (Ph.D.) of postgraduate experience in an industrial R&D setting or academic research laboratory, with a proven track record of heavy, hands-on bench contribution.
• Direct, practical experience setting up and executing organic synthetic reactions on microelectrode arrays or functionalized solid supports
• Deep, intuitive grasp of physical organic chemistry principles, organic reaction mechanisms, and the behavior of redox mediators under potential control.
• Hand-on proficiency with electrochemical characterization (Cyclic Voltammetry, Square Wave Voltammetry) used specifically to elucidate synthesis pathways and investigate intermediate stability.

Technical Execution Bonuses

• Experience managing diffusion, migration, or chemical confinement of reactive intermediates within restricted microfluidic systems or microscale spaces.
• Prior knowledge of DNA synthesis, either phosphoramidite synthesis or enzymatic DNA synthesis
• Proven ability to translate complex physical organic and electrochemical concepts to hardware engineers and biochemists alike to achieve shared product goals.

Physical Demands Statement

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Mobility: Must be able to move about the laboratory and office environment regularly. This includes standing and walking for extended periods, often up to 6–8 hours per day.
• Manual Dexterity: Must have fine motor skills and steady hands to handle delicate instruments, operate laboratory equipment, pipette accurately, and perform repetitive benchwork with precision.
• Lifting/Carrying: Must be able to lift and carry up to 40 pounds occasionally, such as boxes of lab supplies or equipment.
• Visual Acuity: Must have sufficient visual acuity to read small print on labels, instrument displays, and computer monitors. Close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus are required.
• Communication: Must be able to communicate effectively in spoken and written English, including reading technical documents and participating in team meetings.
• Environmental Conditions: Frequently exposed to typical laboratory conditions, including biological samples, hazardous chemicals, and reagents. Must be able to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as lab coats, gloves, and safety goggles as required.
• Posture: Requires frequent standing, sitting, and occasional bending or reaching over lab benches or into biosafety cabinets.