Scientist - Screening & Analytical Chemistry - Waltham, MA, Full-time

Manus works across industries and value chains to accelerate the transition to BioAlternatives – better performing and more sustainable versions of complex molecules traditionally sourced from plants, animals, or fossil fuels. Our platform is proven to work across scales, bridging the Valley of Death between lab and manufacturing more efficiently and more reliably to deliver the benefits of biotechnology today.

We are seeking a Scientist in Screening & Analytical Chemistry to lead development of high-throughput analytical workflows. This role focuses on method development for rapid, targeted metabolite quantification and integration with screening pipelines.

This hands-on position requires a desire and ability to work as an integral part of a multidisciplinary team, as well as the demonstration of a high degree of flexibility, creativity, and initiative. This person will be expected to play an integral part of Manus’s research and development team located in Waltham, MA.

Why work at Manus:

• Opportunity – For motivated, results-oriented team members, our growth creates opportunities for personal and professional advancement.

• Accountability – You are given the resources you need to succeed and the freedom to make it happen; in return, we hold each other accountable for our high expectations.

• Passion – We love what we do and enjoy working with others who feel the same way. We embrace the challenge and hard work that comes with working on the cutting edge.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize analytical methods for targeted metabolite quantification
• Lead method development on GC/MS, GC-FID, and LC-QQQ-MS platforms
• Design high-throughput analytical workflows with fast cycle times
• Develop sample preparation and derivatization strategies
• Work with automation and screening teams to support microtiter plate-based fermentations
• Analyze and interpret large datasets
• Mentor junior staff
• Interface with instrument vendors to maintain uptime and optimal performance
• Author SOPs and technical reports

Basic Qualifications

• PhD in Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry, or related field OR
• MS with 8 years or BS with 13 years relevant experience
• Strong experience in analytical method development

Required Technical Expertise

• GC-FID and GC/MS assay development for targeted quantitation and metabolite profiling
• LC/QQQ-MS assay develop for targeted quantitation
• Assay optimization for speed, sensitivity, and throughput

Preferred Experience

• Experience with high-throughput screening environments
• Integration of analytical workflows with automation
• Familiarity with liquid handling platforms
• Experience with LIMS (e.g. Benchling) and large datasets
• Industrial biotech or applied R&D experience
• Experience with the following types of analytical instrumentation
  • UHPLC
  • GC-FID
  • GC/MS
  • LC/QQQ-MS
• Experience with a variety of sample extraction and preparation techniques, applying automated solutions when appropriate, from complex matrices
  • Microbial fermentation broth
  • Microbial biomass
  • Purified extracts