Lead Analytical Chemist

Interstellar Lab is a pioneering company at the forefront of sustainable agriculture and space exploration. Our mission is to bridge the gap between cutting-edge technology and ancient agricultural wisdom to cultivate plants both on Earth and in Space. We focus on optimizing the growth and composition of a wide range of high-value plants, including medicinal, cosmetic, food, and tropical varieties.

Position Overview:

As the Lead Analytical Chemist at Interstellar Lab, you will play a pivotal role in advancing our plant cultivation systems and ensuring the quality and composition of the plants we grow. At fist, you will have the exciting opportunity to set up a state-of-the-art laboratory equipped with Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GCMS) and Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LCMS) instruments. You will lead a team of analytical chemists and work closely with our plant scientists to develop, implement, and optimize analytical methodologies, with specific expertise in extraction, headspace, and Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE). Your expertise will be essential in our mission to provide sustainable crop cultivation solutions on Earth and in Space.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage and lead a team of analytical chemists, providing technical guidance and mentorship.
• Develop and implement analytical processes, with a specific focus on extraction, headspace analysis, and Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE), to assess the composition and quality of cultivated plants.
• Set up a cutting-edge laboratory equipped with Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GCMS) and Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LCMS) instruments.
• Collaborate with plant scientists to optimize plant growth conditions and composition through data-driven insights.
• Contribute to research efforts focused on plant yield prediction models and their integration into our algorithms.
• Participate in collaborative research projects with external institutes and partners.
• Define and establish standards, frameworks, and tools for analytical research and development.
• Contribute to interdisciplinary research efforts related to various growing systems, including BioPod and NUCLEUS.
• Collaborate closely with the design and engineering teams to enhance our cultivation systems.

Basic Qualifications:

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in analytical chemistry, with a focus on extraction and GCMS.
• Master's degree (MSc) in analytical chemistry or a related field.
• In-depth knowledge of headspace analysis, and Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE)
• Experience in both basic and applied research.
• Strong communication skills, adaptability, and empathy.
• Ability to think analytically and holistically about plant composition and growth.

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Practical expertise in data analysis and experimental design.
• Previous project management experience.
• Experience working in analytical sciences laboratories.

Location:

This position is based in Paris, France, with occasional travel to our site at NASA Kennedy Space Center in the United States.

Compensation and Benefits:

Your compensation package, including base salary, will be determined based on your qualifications, experience, and knowledge. In addition to your base salary, you may be eligible for long-term incentives, such as company stock or stock options. Interstellar Lab offers comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks.

Interstellar Lab is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in its workforce. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or other legally protected characteristics. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace that reflects the global communities we serve.

If you have a passion for analytical chemistry, specific expertise in extraction, headspace analysis, and SFE, along with a fascination with plant growth, and a drive to make a meaningful impact on sustainable agriculture, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity as our Lead Analytical Chemist at Interstellar Lab. Join us in our mission to cultivate a better future on Earth and beyond.