Scientist, Chemistry

About the Role

Warp Sciences is seeking a Scientist to join their Medicinal Chemistry group and contribute directly to client drug discovery programs. This role involves designing and executing multi-step organic syntheses, proposing and evaluating synthetic routes, and generating high-quality compounds and data. The position plays a key part in the company's automation mission by generating data for machine learning models and collaborating with AI scientists and roboticists to translate synthetic know-how into automated platforms.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, plan, and execute multi-step organic synthesis of target compounds for client medicinal chemistry and hit-to-lead/lead optimization programs.
• Propose and evaluate synthetic routes, including retrosynthetic analysis, pathway selection, and identification of scalable, cost-effective alternatives.
• Perform reaction optimization (yield, selectivity, purity, scalability) and troubleshoot synthetic problems using mechanistic reasoning.
• Purify and characterize intermediates and final compounds using techniques such as column chromatography, prep-HPLC, recrystallization, and analytical methods including LCMS, NMR, HPLC, and HRMS.
• Accurately and promptly record experimental procedures, observations, and results in electronic laboratory notebooks (ELN).
• Support scale-up of key intermediates and final compounds.
• Communicate progress, data, and route strategy clearly to project leaders and, where applicable, to client scientists.
• Generate structured experimental data suitable for machine learning and reaction-prediction models.
• Partner with AI scientists and roboticists to translate synthetic routes and protocols into procedures executable on automated/robotic synthesis platforms.
• Provide feedback on automated workflows (liquid handling, automated reaction setup, in-line analytics) and troubleshoot discrepancies between manual and automated execution.
• Support iterative improvement of self-driving lab and automated chemistry capabilities.
• Maintain compliance with laboratory safety protocols, chemical hygiene procedures, and proper handling/disposal of hazardous materials.
• Manage time and priorities effectively across multiple concurrent projects and client deadlines.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of synthetic methods, workflows, and best practices.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• B.S. or M.S. in Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, or a related discipline.
• 0–3 years of relevant synthetic organic chemistry experience (industry, CRO, or advanced academic/graduate research); internship or co-op experience considered for entry-level candidates.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience with multi-step organic synthesis and standard purification techniques.
• Working knowledge of retrosynthetic analysis and route design principles.
• Proficiency interpreting spectroscopic and analytical data (NMR, LCMS, HPLC).
• Solid understanding of laboratory safety practices and safe handling of reactive/hazardous chemicals.
• Strong record-keeping and documentation habits; experience with ELN systems is a plus.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and shifting priorities in a deadline-driven environment.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior CRO, pharmaceutical, or biotech industry experience supporting drug discovery programs.
• Experience with parallel synthesis, medicinal chemistry SAR exploration, or DMPK-informed compound design.
• Familiarity with chemistry software tools (e.g., ChemDraw, electronic notebooks, reaction database/search tools).
• Experience with air- and moisture-sensitive chemistry, flow chemistry, or automated/robotic synthesis platforms.
• Interest or prior experience in AI/ML-driven chemistry, cheminformatics, or self-driving laboratory concepts.
• Comfort working with structured data entry.
• Track record of authorship or contribution to publications, patents, or internal technical reports.

Work Environment / Physical Requirements

• Primarily laboratory-based role requiring extended periods standing at the bench and working with standard synthetic chemistry equipment.
• Regular exposure to laboratory chemicals, solvents, and reagents; strict adherence to PPE and safety protocols is required.
• Ability to lift and move laboratory supplies and equipment (up to approximately 25 lbs).