Research Scientist

Department of Chemistry

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Job Summary

The Research Scientist will conduct research on projects in drug discovery by providing hands-on leadership in the design, synthesis, and optimization of molecules in support of ongoing Amphotericin B project in the Burke laboratory.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Design, synthesize, purify, and characterize target molecules of interest. Evaluate the data on potency, toxicity, in vitro ADME, and pharmacokinetic information in the development of Structure Activity Relationships (SAR) and its applications to lead optimization.
• Provide oversight, direction, and supervision of graduate students, research personnel (including postdoctoral fellows and grad assistants) and undergraduate students in the organic and medicinal chemistry research. Provide mentoring of personnel in lab protocol, experimentation methods, and project assignments. Oversee both undergraduate and graduate students regarding their scientific progress.
• Collaborate with colleagues at various other institutions on research initiatives.
• Prepare manuscripts for publication.
• Prepare grant applications for submission to the federal government and draft the annual scientific reports for awarded grants.

Required Qualifications

PhD In Chemistry or related discipline.

2 years of postdoctoral research experience relevant to organic synthesis and medicinal chemistry.

2 years of experience with the following:

• design, synthesis of small molecules for drug discovery
• performing SAR study based on existing biological data for further lead optimization total synthesis or semi synthesis
• target molecule analysis and purification (TLC, chromatography, analytical and preparative LC-MS, GC-MS, HRMS)
• developing novel synthesis methods using standard approaches
• scale-up of organic synthesis reactions and separations, processing and analysis of NMR spectra of target molecule, conducting UV-Vis Spectrophotometry and analysis of the data
• support the preparation of externally reviewed grant proposals
• providing technical and trouble-shooting support o collaboratively solve complex problems in a multi-functional team
• transferring the establishing method to CRO for manufacturing processes

Preferred Qualifications

2 years of experience with the following:

• synthesis and purification of Amphotericin B and related compounds
• computer-aided drug design and optimization
• developing novel synthesis methods using innovative approaches (such as chemoenzymatic synthesis, biocatalysis, and green chemistry principles)
• evaluation of potential drug activity and toxicity using techniques such as computational modeling tools

Successful candidates will have the following:

• In-depth knowledge of organic synthesis, purification techniques, and analysis of organic reactions/products, key medicinal chemistry concepts and good knowledge of biology, pharmacology, drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics.
• Commitment to diversity and inclusion.
• Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work harmoniously with faculty, staff, and students from a wide variety of disciplines.
• Strong ability to process and analyze research results.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the deadline date. Salary is commensurate with experience.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on April 7, 2023. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button on the job board and upload your cover letter, resume (months and years of employment must be included), and names/contact information for three professional references. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact scs_hr_office@scs.illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, COVID-19 vaccination requirement, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.

Requisition ID: 1015848
Job Category: Research
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu