Scientist / Senior Scientist, Organic Chemistry

About the Role

Join an energetic, mission-focused scientific team based in San Francisco, including members from prestigious institutions such as MIT, Harvard Medical School, and ETH. The team values rapid yet rigorous execution along with high energy, strong dedication, and a passion for solving complex, open-ended challenges. This early-stage environment rewards clarity of thought, ownership of tasks, and consistent follow-through.

Capable Labs fosters a culture where ambitious and high-integrity professionals thrive by continuously improving themselves. Employees benefit from close interaction with key decision-makers and can progressively take on greater responsibilities based on merit and impact, not just title.

Primary Responsibilities

• Direct the organic chemistry efforts spanning small molecules, peptides, and related compounds, handling everything from compound selection to synthesis, purification, characterization, quality control, and preparing materials for biological assays.
• Plan and perform syntheses employing both solid-phase and solution-phase methods, including functional group transformations, coupling reactions, protecting group strategies, late-stage modifications, cleavage, deprotection, purification, and analytical characterization.
• Assume full accountability for compound production, ensuring accurate synthesis, purity and identity confirmation, meticulous documentation, and delivery of materials ready for biological evaluation.
• Operate and contribute to the maintenance of laboratory instrumentation such as HPLC, preparative HPLC, LC-MS, microwave synthesis systems, and related analytical equipment.
• Diagnose and resolve synthetic and analytical challenges including reaction failures, low yields, selectivity issues, impurities, solubility problems, purification difficulties, and instrument malfunctions through sound experimental judgment.
• Collaborate closely with biology and pharmacology teams to prioritize synthesis targets based on structure-activity relationships (SAR), potency, stability, pharmacokinetics, tolerability, and efficacy data, while maintaining a focus on feasible chemical execution.

Candidate Profile

• Minimum of five years industry experience in synthetic organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, or peptide synthesis; peptide chemistry experience is advantageous but not mandatory.
• Demonstrated strong experimental judgment with proven troubleshooting skills and high standards for clean and reproducible chemistry execution.
• End-to-end ownership of chemical synthesis projects, including route design, lab execution, purification, characterization, quality control, documentation, and preparation for biological testing.
• Ability to translate target structures into confirmed compounds via practical route selection, execution, problem diagnosis, process improvements, and delivery of pure, characterized materials.
• Familiarity with using biological data to inform chemical decisions, appreciating the interdependence of chemistry with biological potency, stability, and pharmacological profiles.
• Proactive and dependable in addressing issues such as synthesis failures, instrumentation downtime, or sample-related concerns through clear communication and practical problem-solving.

Compensation and Benefits

• Annual salary range of $145,000 to $220,000, supplemented by equity options valued roughly between $50,000 and $200,000 before exercise costs and taxes.
• Salary and equity are negotiable based on expertise, experience, and potential impact.
• Monthly wellness stipend exceeding $500 to support activities such as fitness, supplements, coaching, and recovery aids.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance with the company covering 100% of base policy premiums.
• Access to Health Savings Account (HSA), Flexible Spending Account (FSA), and 401(k) plans.
• Provided healthy dinners daily to support team well-being.
• Visa sponsorship assistance available for eligible candidates, including O-1, H-1B, J-1, TN, and other work-based visas, reflecting the team’s diverse international composition.

Application Process

• Submit initial application.
• Participate in two rounds of phone interviews.
• Attend an on-site work trial in San Francisco to engage directly with the founding team and assess mutual fit.

Additional Information

Even if you are unsure about matching the precise job requirements, you are encouraged to apply. The team values diverse experiences and perspectives. Referral bonuses are offered for recommended individuals who join the company.