Medicinal Chemistry Scientist II/III
Job ID: req3955
Employee Type: exempt full-time
Division: Clinical Research Program
Facility: Generic Location
Location: 9800 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD 20850 USA
The Frederick National Laboratory is a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) sponsored by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and operated by Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc. The lab addresses some of the most urgent and intractable problems in the biomedical sciences in cancer and AIDS, drug development and first-in-human clinical trials, applications of nanotechnology in medicine, and rapid response to emerging threats of infectious diseases.
Accountability, Compassion, Collaboration, Dedication, Integrity and Versatility; it's the FNL way.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Within Leidos Biomedical Research Inc., the Clinical Research Directorate (CRD) provides project and operational management of initiatives in support of the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS). NCATS supported efforts include management of the Therapeutics Development Branch (TDB) drug development programs such as gene therapies and antiviral therapeutic candidates. NCATS stimulates drug discovery and development collaboration between NIH, Leidos, academic scientists, nonprofit organizations, and pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.
KEY ROLES/RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Provides support for medicinal chemistry of therapeutic candidates and promising lead compounds with NCATS APP program
- Supports the Antiviral Program for Pandemics (APP) initiatives by providing technical support for the design, synthesis, purification, analytical characterization, and biological evaluation of bioactive compounds
- Works closely with DDD program leadership to implement research and development practices, including developing overarching project plans with scope and timelines and setting expectations for operational performance
- Assists in the design, synthesis, purification, and characterization of bioactive compounds with techniques such as column chromatography (e.g., high performance liquid chromatography), nuclear magnetic resonance and parallel or combinatorial synthesis
- Assists in the design of new bioactive compounds by interacting with other chemists regarding biochemical, molecular biochemical and pharmacological topics
- Provides technical expertise in the implementation and execution of chemistry design and synthesis improvements
- Evaluates the structure-activity relationships of compounds
- Reviews and analyzes data from diverse in vitro assays and ADME, PK and efficacy studies
- Summarizes data and prepares reports for individual or sets of compounds
- Designs, implements, executes assigned projects with minimal supervision
- Prepares documentation associated with project/objectives including technical reports, SOPs, project specific protocols and reports
- Prepares manuscripts and scientific presentations
- Ensures laboratory procedures and testing is compliant with internal requirements and quality system
- Works with automated systems, such as robotics, system integration and software programming
- Analyzes data and present findings at meetings
- Anticipates obstacles and implements solutions
- Performs review of project-specific documents
- Ensures appropriate communication strategies and plans are in place to facilitate and maintain communication among scientific, regulatory, safety, monitoring, laboratory, and project team members
- Position may travel sparingly domestically and internationally for annual scientific conferences
- Position is located in Rockville, Maryland
This position can be hired as either a Medicinal Chemistry Scientist II or III.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
To be considered for this position, you must minimally meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below:
- Possession of a PhD degree in a field related to organic/medicinal chemistry from an accredited college or university according to the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA. Foreign degrees must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency
- Medicinal Chemistry Scientist II - In addition to the education requirement, a minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible experience
- Medicinal Chemistry Scientist III - In addition to the education requirement, a minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience
- Experience, and training relevant to conduct the design, synthesis, purification, and characterization of bioactive compounds and evaluate new bioactive compounds by regarding biochemical, molecular biochemical and pharmacological topics
- Excellent written and oral communication skills including strong report writing and presentation skills
- Strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills
- Experience in analysis, planning, and problem solving
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail
- Ability to work effectively, both independently and as a team member, with consistent ability to take initiative and make an active contribution to the team's performance
- Demonstrated proficiency in Windows and Microsoft Office Suite including Word , Excel , Project , and Outlook
- Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Candidates with these desired skills will be given preferential consideration:
- Familiarity with medicinal chemistry research and development projects
- Familiarity with Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR)
- Experience conducting federally funded research studies
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office, Microsoft Project, and other software applications to execute the needs of the project
Commitment to Diversity
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.