Analytical Chemist

Posted April 20, 2010 12:00 AM    

Department: Analytical Chemistry

Location: San Diego, CA 

Sapphire Energy is a venture capital-backed company developing next generation biofuels based on recent advances in metabolic engineering. The company’s focus is the commercialization of high performance, low cost, and low carbon footprint biofuels that are direct replacements for conventional gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel.

We are seeking an exceptional Analytical Chemist to join our Analytical Chemistry staff in San Diego, CA.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in chemistry, with at least 3-5 years of industrial experience.
• Candidates should have solid experience with ICP-MS and sample preparation techniques.
• Extensive experience in digestion methodologies, and general methods of elemental analysis, thermal and spectroscopic techniques required.
• Demonstrated skills and fluency in developing, validating and applying analytical methods.
• Strong knowledge of analytical chemistry, and good laboratory techniques.
• Excellent organizational, laboratory, and manual skills.
• Ability to exercise effective time management skills in completion of assignments
• Demonstrate ability to handle multiple projects and meet customer deadlines.
• Ability to effectively participate in interdisciplinary teams.
• Due to the highly collaborative nature of this position, interpersonal and communication skills are extremely important. A short presentation will be required during the interview.
• A comfort level with the fast-paced, changing, and stressful environment of a biotech start-up.
• Critical thinking and problem solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to independently design, execute, troubleshoot, and interpret results from scientific experiments.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Operate, maintain, calibrate and troubleshoot laboratory instrumentation and equipment, such as: ICP-MS, CHN, O, S analyzers, TGA/DSC, KF, IR, and other wet chemistry instrumentation and equipment.
• Plan, perform and complete laboratory analyses/projects
• Perform method development and validation studies for metals and main group element tests. Perform heavy metals analysis. Prepare samples for analysis by microwave or hotplate digestion.
• Prepares samples, standards & solutions for analysis.
• Develop, validate, and apply analytical protocols and procedures.
• Produce written and oral reports of scientific work.
• Work with client groups to develop precise, accurate and robust analytical methods as needed.

Sapphire offers very competitive compensation packages including bonuses and equity, as well as full benefit packages, which include health, dental, vision insurance, 401k, and paid time off. To apply, please send your CV and cover letter to human.resources@sapphireenergy.com and reference “Analytical Chemist” in the subject line.