Junior Specialist / Assistant Specialist - Department of Chemistry - College of Chemistry

The Department of Chemistry at the University of California, Berkeley seeks applications for a Junior Specialist or Assistant Specialist who will work in the research group of Professor Alanna Schepartz and support the research goals of the U.S. National Science Foundation Center for Genetically Encoded Materials (NSF C-GEM).

C-GEM is repurposing the ribosome, nature’s protein-synthesizing machine, to biosynthesize genetically encoded, sequence-defined chemical polymers and natural product-like molecules with unprecedented structures, functions, and activities. C-GEM’s goal is to transform the way scientists design and produce materials and medicines.

The primary responsibilities will be to design and execute the synthesis of small organic molecules of recurring need for C-GEM research projects under the guidance of C-GEM’s Scientific Managing Director. General duties include: Designing and executing viable synthetic routes to access C-GEM monomers in the necessary quantities and optical purities Purifying C-GEM monomers to acceptable thresholds (generally, >95%) via techniques including, among others, flash column chromatography, preparative HPLC, recrystallization, or distillation Performing rigorous and thorough analysis, interpretation, and compilation of experimental data, including all characterization necessary for publication in high-impact journals Maintaining clear documentation of protocols, analyses, and results Preparing figures and text summarizing routes and findings for internal presentations and grant reporting endeavors.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position