Chemist

Position Objective

The Chemist will provide support services to satisfy the overall operational objectives of the National Institute of Mental Health within the National Institutes of Health.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Synthesize and optimize chemical probes for potency and solubility.
• Carry out techniques to complete project goals; apply the appropriate methods to assist in solving operational problems; participate in planning specific experiments.
• Perform a variety of biochemical techniques and advanced analysis to complete studies with biological fluids and tissues of multiple origins, including rodent surgery and tissue dissection, analytical methods for radiotracer methodologies, in vitro receptor binding assays, and Radio-HPLC.
• Perform general maintenance and upkeep of equipment and instrumentation.
• Calibrate, standardize, adjust, and maintain instruments.
• Identify the cause of common problems and mistakes and make necessary repairs.
• Collect and review data; analyze and interpret data and results.
• Gather, analyze and interpret data; prepare summaries and reports.
• Formulate chemistry plans for the development of soluble, potent, selective small molecule probes of biological function.
• Perform chemical synthesis and optimization of small molecule probes for use in biological research.
• Acquire and implement knowledge of procedures for working with short-lived radioisotopes, gamma metrology and cyclotron produced radioisotope technology, and regulations for use and handling of radioactive materials.
• Adds heat, light, energy or a catalyst to show changes in composition.
• Perform experimental radiochemistry.
• Prepare test solutions, compounds, and reagents and maintains necessary laboratory supplies.
• Prepare reagents and maintain an active inventory of all chemicals kept in the laboratory.
• Schedules, tracks and reports analyses of experiments and procedures.
• Perform analytical validation and testing of compositions and report results.
• Independently provides laboratory experience needed to perform various complex chemical experiments and procedures.
• Independently design, synthesize and optimize chemical probes for potency and solubility.
• Perform chemical and biochemical reactions and appropriate analytical analyses.
• Designs and optimizes chemical experiments and procedures.
• Develop novel chemistry methodologies and technologies that advance the field and make recommendations.
• Trains staff on new experiments and practices, operations and maintenance of instruments and equipment, safety practices, etc.
• Collaborate with staff on procedures used for the quantification of radioactive tracers and nonradioactive reagents for brain imaging in biological fluids and tissues of humans, nonhuman primates and rodents and for in vitro ligand binding.
• Work with staff on the micro, accurate and precise analysis of plasma and other tissues radiometabolites.
• Work with staff to develop experimental procedures and research protocols; carry out experiments as assigned.
• Designs, optimizes, and troubleshoots chemical experiments and procedures.
• Work with staff to monitor and manage waste disposal.
• Order and maintain inventory of laboratory supplies; interact with sales representatives; obtain samples of research materials.
• Work with staff to obtain and organize radioactive samples for radioanalysis.
• Maintain rodent colony breeding.
• Respond to the Dept. of Radiation Safety for the annual inventory.
• Lead all the 3-H ligands in the lab.
• Ensure the lab is free of contamination.
• Maintains, operates and calibrates numerous machines for use in various experiments and procedures.
• Evaluate and implement as warranted new chemical technologies.
• Maintain computer database for various records.
• Maintain records for receipt and use of radioactive materials; carry out periodic lab surveys; dispose of radioactive and chemical waste according to Institutional and regulatory procedures.
• Prepare summaries, reports and presentations based on findings.
• Contribute to publications and patent writing.
• Produce research reports and communicate results.
• Work products and documents related to quantifying radioactive tracers and nonradioactive reagents for brain imaging; perform analysis of plasma and other tissues radiometabolites; report on status of research activities.
• Work products and documents related to operating and maintaining analysis equipment; order and maintain inventory of laboratory supplies; obtain samples of research materials; obtain and organize radioactive samples for radioanalysis.
• Work products and documents related to carrying out techniques to complete project goals; apply appropriate methods to solve operations problems; plan experiments; develop experimental procedures and research protocols.
• Work products and documents related to maintaining rodent colony breeding; perform biochemical techniques and advance analysis to complete studies with biological fluids and tissues, including rodent surgery and tissue dissection and radiotracer methodologies.
• Work products and documents related to maintaining database for records; maintain records for receipt and use of radioactive materials; carry out lab surveys; dispose of radioactive and chemical waste; interact with staff.
• Meet with lab members to present updates.