Postdoctoral Research Associate (Process Development)

About the role

The position is being posted on an expedited timeline due to an immediate staffing need within the Process Development team. The funding for this position is guaranteed through February 2027, with a high likelihood of extension.

Responsibilities

• Conduct and thoroughly document literature reviews for target chemical transformations, intermediates, and APIs.
• Maintain strong technical literacy. Develop hypothesis-driven experimental plans under team leader’s guidance.
• In process research, efficiently screen many valid reaction conditions and identify trends for improved outcomes. In process development, perform careful, data-rich experiments that create a deep knowledge of the chemical system.
• Execute chemical reactions on screening (milligram to gram) and preparative (decagram to kilogram) scales in the context of process research (route scouting) and development (optimization).
• Deliver results in a high-pace and time-sensitive environment. Demonstrate robust data interpretation. Incorporate data-driven insights into reports and designs for chemical processes.
• Maintain a detailed, accurate, and up-to-date electronic lab notebook (ELN) to ensure robust knowledge management.
• Write in publication quality to help prepare manuscripts for publication in various professional journals.
• Demonstrate timely and proficient use of M4ALL's project management technology platforms to facilitate internal and external communications.
• Adhere to project timeline and deliverable commitments. Escalate risks and deviations to ensure client transparency.
• Prepare clear, accurate, and concise written project updates and reports (pptx, docx), representing your contributions. Contribute well-written, high-quality scientific content for publication – e.g., peer-reviewed articles, trade journal articles, white papers, M4ALL social media.
• Orally present research updates and reports on findings in-person or virtually for internal consumption. Develop and deliver high quality oral presentations (posters, group meetings) to internal scientific and non-scientific audiences.
• Recognize signs of interpersonal or project misalignment. Attempt to resolve misunderstandings with support of line manager, if needed. Seek clarity on responsibilities and expectations to minimize misalignments or misunderstandings.
• Contribute to variety of scientific materials such as paper studies, publications, manuscripts (as above) and other documents supporting ongoing and future work in the labs (e.g., SOPs, Work Instructions, Hazard Assessments, etc.).

Qualifications

• PhD in organic, organometallic chemistry.
• Ability to publish research findings in high impact scientific journals. Preference will be given to candidates who demonstrate a proven track record of publications.
• Strong understanding of and experience with all analytical methods relevant to synthetic organic chemistry (NMR, HPLC, MS, IR, UV, etc).
• Ability to communicate in written and presented formats technical information in a compelling way.

Interpersonal Skills & Individual Aptitude

• Full professional proficiency of the English language (speaking, reading, and writing) with the ability to communicate technical concepts to audiences of varying backgrounds.
• Comfort and confidence to give presentations in a clear and concise way that is understandable by the audience and flows smoothly from beginning to end.
• Accountability and collaborative mindset to achieve organizational success for high quality, timely and cost-effective results within specified deadlines.
• Innovative and creative problem solving to develop solutions/alternatives, understanding of the feasibility and the value in taking responsible risks.
• Open-mindedness and commitment to treating others with civility, professionalism and respect in a multicultural work environment.
• Energy and passion to thrive in a start-up environment and to deliver on the organization’s goals, mission and values balancing the interests of one's own with those of the broader organization.
• Commitment to aligning and adherence to M4ALL’s core values and purpose.

Required Education & Technical Abilities

• PhD in organic, organometallic chemistry.
• Ability to publish research findings in high impact scientific journals.
• Strong understanding of and experience with all analytical methods relevant to synthetic organic chemistry (NMR, HPLC, MS, IR, UV, etc).
• Ability to communicate in written and presented formats technical information in a compelling way.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with advanced concepts including high throughput experimentation, Design of Experiments, kinetic, thermodynamic and mechanistic investigation, and catalysis.
• Previous research and development experience with active pharmaceutical ingredients.
• Experience with high throughput experimentation and quantitation of reaction mixtures.

Work Environment

This position requires working in a chemical laboratory environment where exposure to chemical odors and reagents is common. The role involves standing for extended periods, moving around the lab, and lifting or carrying laboratory equipment, supplies, and materials as needed. Candidates should be comfortable performing hands-on laboratory work in a dynamic, fast-paced setting while adhering to all safety protocols.

Schedule

This is an individual contributor role and reports to the Associate Director, Process Development. As a key member of the PD team, the selected individual will embody everyday leadership, with an expectation to lead through actions, discussions, decisions, and interactions. As a role model within the organization, you will influence others by consistently demonstrating the values and behaviors that drive our mission forward. Work Environment: This position requires working in a chemical laboratory environment where exposure to chemical odors and reagents is common. The role involves standing for extended periods, moving around the lab, and lifting or carrying laboratory equipment, supplies, and materials as needed. Candidates should be comfortable performing hands-on laboratory work in a dynamic, fast-paced setting while adhering to all safety protocols.

Benefits

Salary Details: Starting at $60,000 commensurate with experience and aligned with the institute’s internal equity structure. Since M4ALL's inception in 2017, we have received significant financial support from a diverse portfolio of major donors. This position is grant-funded, with continued employment contingent upon ongoing funding.

Pay

Starting at $60,000 commensurate with experience and aligned with the institute’s internal equity structure.