Research Associate/Sr Research Associate, Mass Spectrometry

About Hexagon Bio

Hexagon Bio leverages a genomics-based platform and understanding of natural product evolution to develop next-generation medicines for human disease. Hexagon Bio's algorithms identify gene clusters that encode the machinery needed to produce specialized metabolites that can be harnessed against human disease targets. Our unique platform allows us to produce new chemical leads based on these findings. We use data science, genomics, synthetic biology, and automation to discover potent, evolutionarily refined small molecules and their cognate targets from fungal genomes.

We are searching for a highly motivated Research Associate, Natural Products Chemistry, Mass Spectrometry. As a member of the Natural Products Chemistry Team at Hexagon Bio, you will join a group of independent scientists motivated to generate novel medicines. We seek an analytical/organic chemist who is truly excited about developing medicines against novel targets.

Responsibilities:

• Isolating and characterizing novel compounds produced in microbial cultures generated by our synthetic biology pipeline
• Work in close collaboration with a visionary team at the intersection of technology and biology, with backgrounds in computational biology, software engineering, automation engineering, molecular biology, and biochemistry. 
• Execute end-to-end liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry workflows based on HPLC-HRMS/MS for the discovery of novel compounds in microbial extracts. 
• Maintenance and operation of HPLC-HRMS systems and the curation and analysis of the data generated.
• Work with an interdisciplinary team with world-class expertise in data science and biology to analyze metabolomic data using both commercial and Hexagon proprietary analysis tools. 

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry or a related field.
• Experience in establishing metabolomics workflows to examine complex natural products in microbial cultures, including sample preparation, data acquisition with HPLC-HRMS systems, and data analysis and interpretation. 
• Hands-on experience with operation and maintenance of HPLC-HRMS systems.

 Nice to have:

• Experience with Thermo Orbitrap platforms (QExactive, Exploris).
• Experience with automated tools for the analysis of HPLC-MS/MS data and untargeted metabolomics (XCMS, GNPS, etc).
• Willingness to work closely with the colleagues on Hexagon's Data Team to improve and execute our proprietary untargeted metabolomics pipeline.
• Willingness to interface with lab automation systems.
• Ability to work at Menlo Park, CA location

What We Offer:

• A flexible and dynamic work environment, where you pave your own path; Hexagon cultivates the unique strengths of employees at all levels and provides mobility across departments.
• Weekly “All Hands Meetings” provide an opportunity to share company and team updates. These meetings are rooted in our value of transparency and are designed to foster a culture of collaboration, curiosity, and open communication.
• Competitive compensation and a robust benefits package: a comprehensive suite of medical, dental, and vision insurance plans through TriNet, which offers additional voluntary benefits (pet insurance, accident insurance, home & auto insurance, and more).
• Equity and a 401(k) plan.
• Rapid career advancement for driven performers.
• Access to scientific conferences all over the country, throughout the year.
• A range of amenities, courtesy of the Menlo Park Labs business park including shuttle, gym, rock-climbing wall, pool, sports courts, cafe, bike lockers, and free EV charging stations.
• Opportunities to engage with the Hexagon community through team-building events like our monthly Hexagon Happy Hour and holiday parties.

Hexagon Bio is an equal opportunity employer and committed to a diverse workplace. All applicants will be considered equally without regard to race, color, ethnicity, veteran status, religion, national origin, marital status, political affiliation, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, membership in an organization or any other non-merit factors.