Research Associate - Translational Chemistry

Research Associate

AltPep Corporation is a biomedical company based along Seattle's Lake Union developing groundbreaking disease-modifying treatments and detection tools for amyloid diseases by targeting a novel early molecular trigger: alpha sheet oligomers. Our lead programs focus on Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, with other amyloid diseases on the horizon. AltPep's goal is to change the course of these debilitating diseases that affect over a billion people around the globe.

AltPep draws its origins to Dr. Valerie Daggett's lab at the University of Washington's Bioengineering Department. We are looking for additional team members to join us at our state-of-the-art headquarters located on the Eastside of Lake Union in Seattle.

About This Role

We are seeking a meticulous and dynamic Research Associate to join our Translational Chemistry Team. You will be responsible for enabling company goals through laboratory activities according to established SOPs or by establishing new procedures and protocols. You will work both independently and as part of a team while ensuring the highest standards of quality and precision. Your contributions will be critical to the success of our research and development efforts.

What You'll Do:

• Characterize peptides and proteins, by UHPLC, SEC, mass spectrometry, circular dichroism, biolayer interferometry, etc.
• Prepare standards for routine analyses from peptides, tissue homogenates, etc.
• Peptide synthesis through operation of both manual and automated solid-phase peptide synthesis systems, as well as post-synthesis chemical modifications.
• Conduct (prep- and semi-prep) HPLC purification of peptides and proteins.
• Support novel Drug Product formulation development
• Support bioanalytical experiments and stability studies
• Troubleshoot and maintain instrumentation to ensure smooth laboratory operations.
• Maintain rigorous meticulous lab notebooks and records outlined in Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Work both independently and collaboratively within an innovative team to achieve project goals.
• Prioritize and organize workflow to manage multiple tasks efficiently.
• Maintain a clean and orderly laboratory environment.
• Analyze and interpret data and generate reports.
• Regularly communicate results, in written form and oral presentations, to the rest of the team and occasionally to senior management and in All-Company meetings.

Must Haves:

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, biochemistry, bioengineering, or a related field.
• Strong organizational skills and flexibility to adapt to a fast-paced and dynamic work environment and responsiveness to quick changes in tasks/priorities.
• Experience in instrumental analysis using HPLC, and LC-MS, biolayer interferometry, rheometry, etc.
• Ability to conduct quantitative analysis and apply quality control criteria effectively.
• Meticulous record-keeping abilities and attention to detail.
• Ability to learn rapidly and implement new laboratory techniques as needed

What Will Separate You From the Rest:

• 2+ years of post-graduate experience in a relevant field, with previous biotech experience being a plus.
• Ability to learn and implement new analytical and synthetic chemistry/biochemistry techniques.
• Ability to work independently while also valuing team collaboration
• Effective communication practices with peers and senior personnel.
• Experience with productivity and scientific software, including ChemDraw /Marvinsketch, Prism/GraphPad, etc.
• Familiarity with PubMed and other information sources for pharmaceutical development
• Knowledge of Quality Management Systems
• Commitment to maintaining high standards of precision and cleanliness in laboratory work

Debilitating diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's affect more than a billion people worldwide. Drawing upon decades of academic research, AltPep was founded to create groundbreaking tools to detect and treat such diseases. Although a young company, AltPep has been recognized for its scientific accomplishment and potential.

While still small and nimble, we have grown to a team of thirty talented individuals dedicated to improving the lives of billions. We continue to grow and are looking for talented people to join the team and help us accomplish our mission.

We offer competitive compensation to those joining our fight. The compensation range for a Research Associate is $81,000 - $88,000, depending on experience. AltPep takes care of its employees and offers generous stock options, medical, vision, and dental coverage for its employees and their dependents. We understand, and value, life outside of work and offer competitive PTO so you can rest and recharge.