Job Description
Job DescriptionSalary: 100,000 - 110,000
About the Company
Sapho Bio is the developer of a rapid microbiology release platform for precision medicine. We are a multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers committed to transforming the lot release process through innovation, speed, and accuracy.
Analytic Services Express (ASE) is the lab services division of Sapho Bio and serves as the primary way customers engage with our offerings. Through ASE, clients access rapid, high-reliability microbiology testing solutions designed to improve turnaround times, reduce risk, and support compliance in pharmaceutical quality control.
We are a team built on ownership, accountability, and continuous improvement, scaling rapidly following product validation and commercial traction.
Our culture emphasizes agency, innovation, and continual learning.
About the Role
- We are seeking a recent graduate to join our analytical development team. You will be involved in all facets of building a startup at a cutting-edge biotech company, gaining hands-on lab experience alongside founders and scientists. This role includes performing quality control of pharmaceuticals, HPLC method development, scientific literature review, and contributing to business development.
- The ideal candidate is a highly motivated recent graduate with a strong foundation in chemistry or biochemistry, exceptional attention to detail, and a desire to grow in a fast-paced biotech environment.
Qualifications
Required
- Minimum 1 year of experience supporting analytical development or laboratory operations
- Bachelor's degree in chemistry, biochemistry, or a related STEM field with a GPA of 3.5 or above (1 year or less post-graduation)
- Exceptional attention to detail with strong organizational and follow-through skills
- Excellent written communication skills: a strong reader and writer (primary communication is written)
- Proficiency in Python scripting, Google Sheets, and Google Slides
- Knowledge of analytical chemistry and aseptic technique
- Strong ability to leverage technology and tools to improve efficiency and workflows
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities
- Ambitious, proactive, and solutions-oriented with a mindset toward continuous improvement
- Must reside in San Carlos (surrounding areas) within a 30-minute commute
Preferred
- Experience in HPLC operation and method development
- Familiarity with USP guidelines, biosafety cabinet work, cell culturing, plate reader use, and qPCR
Core Responsibilities
- Lab Operations: Perform quality control testing of pharmaceuticals, including HPLC method development and analytical assays
- Data Management: Record experimental results accurately in Benchling and maintain thorough documentation per cGMP and GLP standards
- Scientific Research: Read, summarize, and present research papers relevant to analytical development
- Business Development: Contribute to business development efforts and cross-functional projects as needed
- General Support: Take on whatever else is needed for the company to succeed this is a startup
Travel & Logistics
- Must be able to commute daily to the San Carlos, CA office (1068 Washington Street, San Carlos, CA 94070)
- Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive salary: $100,000 $110,000 (commensurate with experience and market benchmarks), plus equity
- Paid Time Off: Unlimited PTO, plus company-recognized holidays
- Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Door Dash Credit: $25 credit for lunch and dinner while working in the office
- 401(k) Plan (eligibility and participation subject to plan terms)
Ideal Candidate Profile
- You are someone who:
- Takes full ownership of outcomes, not just tasks
- Is highly proactive and thrives in ambiguous, fast-paced environments
- Demonstrates an extremely strong work ethic with concrete examples to back it up
- Has genuine intellectual curiosity about analytical chemistry and biotech
- Treats every detail as if patient safety depends on it because it does
Application Requirements
- Your cover letter (one page) should include clear examples of:
- A time you demonstrated exceptional work ethic
- A time you identified a critical error through attention to detail
- A time you followed a complex protocol or SOP without cutting corners
- Please also include your resume and transcript.
- Life at Sapho Bio
- High-Impact Work: Contribute to transforming pharmaceutical testing and patient safety
- Competitive Compensation: Top-tier salary plus equity for full-time roles
- Fast-Paced Environment: Join a team that moves quickly and executes with purpose
- World-Class Team: Work alongside experienced scientists and operators
- Prime Location: Sunny, collaborative workspace in San Carlos
Sapho Bio is an equal employment opportunity employer. Employment is at-will, in accordance with California law.