_Sanford Burnham Prebys is a preeminent, independent biomedical research institute dedicated to understanding human biology and disease, and advancing scientific discoveries to profoundly impact human health. Our scientists are making research breakthroughs in cancer, neuroscience, immunology, and children's disease. We are also at the forefront of finding solutions for emerging health threats such as COVID-19, where we are working to identify drugs that may help millions of people. During our more than 40 year history, we have established an NCI-designated Cancer Center, designed one of the most sophisticated drug discovery centers in the nonprofit world, and created global collaborations that are leading to preventions, treatments and cures to improve human health. _

The SENIOR ASSOCIATE SCIENTIST, MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY will work within the Medicinal Chemistry group at the Conrad Prebys Center for Chemical Genomics and be responsible for the synthesis of compounds and supporting scientific activities associated with small molecule drug / probe discovery projects under the direction of their supervisor and/or the project team.

The Sr Associate Chemist will additionally provide support of new equipment and technology to other chemists, as requested, and provide guidance to new laboratory personnel on instrument operations and standard operation procedures.

Primary Responsibilities

• Successfully performs experiments and procedures demonstrating proficiency with a broad range of scientific techniques with limited input from supervisor
• Adapts to new results and assists in the design of the next experiment
• Acts independently to determine methods and procedures on new assignments
• Synthesizes compounds of high complexity
• Independently uses both normal and reverse phase purification systems, including preparative HPLC
• Determines appropriate conditions, solvents and instruments for the problem at hand
• Independently solves all but the most challenging structural problems
• Analyzes data independently, presents results in a concise way, and makes suggestions for next logical steps
• Recognizes technical problems and provides input on solutions
• Provides supervisor with interpretation of results and evaluation of data
• Presents work to supervisor, lab and and/or project meetings
• Operates specialized equipment and troubleshoots problems of increasing complexity
• Suggests new approaches to established procedures, such as modifications or improvements
• Maintains infrastructure of laboratory as requested
• Performs SciFinder searches, implements synthesis techniques and shares project-relevant information with the team
• Accurately documents experiment in lab notebook (including tables, graphs, etc.) and/or Prebys Center specific software (e.g. CBIS)
• Assists with preparation of reports for pertinent projects
• Contributes methods section/ data to reports as appropriate
• Trains and provides guidance to less experienced team members as needed
• Follows all appropriate safety protocols and takes an active role in the safely culture in the laboratory

Required Skills Required Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline such as biology, pharmacology or chemistry (preferred) or related field and five years’ experience in drug discovery or applied laboratory research (e.g. organic synthesis) or equivalent education, training and/or experience from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been attained required
• Experience in methods of structure determination, including NMR and mass spectrometry required
• Demonstrated experience in organic synthesis techniques, including running a breadth of synthetic reactions and showing high proficiency in the purification of complex reaction mixtures required
• Previous experience in a biotech or pharmaceutical setting preferred

Knowledge, Skills and/or Abilities

• Possess strong technical skills in chemistry
• Proficient in NMR and mass spectrometry and possess high practical knowledge of these systems including troubleshooting and basic theoretical knowledge of this area of analytical chemistry
• Must have high level of independence, a consistent track record of high productivity, and the ability complete multi-step syntheses of challenging targets
• Work independently as well as in a team environment
• Exhibit proficiency in the purification of complex mixtures of organic molecules
• Has in depth knowledge of the HPLC including the ability to trouble shoot both technical and scientific problems
• Able to use various sources of literature to practically apply information to solve problems
• Able to simultaneously handle multiple projects in a rapidly changing, deadline-driven environment
• Able to analyze and resolve issues of moderate complexity
• Proven presentation, verbal and written communication skills
• Be responsible and have strong time management skills
• Possess strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Demonstrate professional communication and interpersonal skills
• Professional proficiency in Microsoft Office, ChemDraw, and SharePoint
• Embody the Institute’s core values of Commitment, Collaboration, Communication, Community and Compassion

Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute is an Equal Opportunity employer – M/F/Veteran/Disability – committed to the hiring, advancement and fair treatment of all individuals. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other protected status as designated by federal, state or local law. For additional information about your rights as an applicant, click HERE.