Research Scientist - Computational Chemistry
Company: Monarch
Location: Oakland
Posted on: April 1, 2026
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Job Description:
Job Overview Monarch is seeking a Computational Chemist to lead
our molecular modeling efforts to predict how insects respond to
olfactory stimuli. Reporting directly to the Chief Technology
Officer, your work will be critical in validating the efficacy of
machine-learning-predicted compounds across multiple insect
species. Key Responsibilities •Develop and apply computational
models to predict the molecular interactions between compounds and
olfactory receptors •Conduct quantum mechanical calculations,
molecular docking, and dynamics simulations to refine predictions
•Analyze data from computational experiments to prioritize
compounds for lab and field validation Location This is a
full-time, on-site position based in Oakland, CA. Why Join Monarch?
Building an alternative to insecticides is one of the most
important technical challenges of our time. Monarch is developing a
product that works—a spatial repellent that protects crops from
insects, humans from toxins, and insects from needless harm. If
that mission motivates you, consider applying.
https://monarchcrops.com/ Qualifications •PhD (or Master's degree 7
years industrial experience) in biophysics, biochemistry,
chemistry, engineering, or equivalent, with a computational
emphasis •Skilled in scientific programming (e.g. Python), data
analytics, and reporting (experience with Pandas, NumPy, Jupyter).
•Proficiency in advanced molecular modeling techniques and
associated software (skilled in docking, molecular dynamics
simulations, rational design or ligand design). Experience with
psi4, MDAnalysis, FreeSASA, AutoDock Vina, AutoDock 4. •Familiarity
with cheminformatics tools (Open Babel, RDKit) and basic machine
learning/AI applications in computational chemistry, including
protein structure prediction (AlphaFold or similar) •Strong work
ethic •Ability to work in a creative, fast-paced environment:
prototyping ideas, iteratively optimizing them, and multi-tasking.
About Monarch Building an alternative to insecticides is one of the
most important technical challenges of our time. Most fruits and
vegetables are sprayed with insecticides, including organics. The
top three sprayed on these crops are toxic to the human nervous
system. An estimated 35 quadrillion animals are killed yearly
because of their use. And farmers lose tens of billions of dollars
a year because insecticides often fail at their basic job:
preventing insects from destroying crops. Monarch is developing a
product that works—a spatial repellent that protects crops from
insects, humans from toxins, and insects from needless harm. It
will work by preventing insects from landing on crops in the first
place. We’re building a genomic, molecular, and behavioral dataset
from the ground up. Then applying computational chemistry and
machine learning tools to predict which of the billions of
potential compounds in nature trigger a ‘fly away’ signal from the
olfactory neurons in the antennae to the smell center in the
animal’s brain. From that unexplored data space, we’ll create the
most effective products to protect crops and our long-term
health.
Keywords: Monarch, Turlock , Research Scientist - Computational Chemistry, Science, Research & Development , Oakland, California
