Postdoctoral Research Associate (Process Development) - Medicines for All

Job Summary

Medicines for All (M4ALL), a part of Virginia Commonwealth University, is an entrepreneurial, impact-oriented institute committed to improving access to medications globally. We achieve this by developing low-cost, high-quality routes for the manufacturing of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). We are seeking mission-driven professionals to join our team in the role of Postdoctoral Research Associate, Process Development.

Responsibilities

• Conduct and document literature reviews for target chemical transformations, intermediates, and APIs.
• Maintain strong technical literacy and develop hypothesis-driven experimental plans under team leader’s guidance.
• Screen many reaction conditions in process research (route scouting) and perform detailed experiments in process development (optimization).
• Execute chemical reactions on various scales and interpret data to improve processes.
• Write publication-quality reports and incorporate data-driven insights into designs.
• Use M4ALL’s project management technology platforms to facilitate internal and external communications.
• Timely and proficiently manage project timelines and deliverables, escalating risks and deviations as necessary.
• Develop and deliver high-quality oral presentations and contribute to scientific materials.
• Develop a thorough understanding of M4ALL’s technology and infrastructure.

Qualifications

• PhD in organic, organometallic chemistry.
• Proven track record of publishing research findings in high-impact scientific journals.
• Strong understanding of and experience with analytical methods relevant to synthetic organic chemistry.
• Full professional proficiency in the English language, including the ability to communicate technical information effectively.
• Comfortable giving presentations and addressing stakeholder needs.
• Commitment to M4ALL’s core values and mission.

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.
• Ability to communicate in written and presented formats technical information in a compelling way.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with 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.

Interpersonal Skills & Individual Aptitude

• Full professional proficiency of the English language (speaking, reading, and writing).
• Comfort and confidence to give presentations in a clear and concise way.
• Accountability and collaborative mindset to achieve organizational success.
• Innovative and creative problem solving to develop solutions/alternatives.
• Open-mindedness and commitment to treating others with civility, professionalism, and respect.
• Energy and passion to thrive in a start-up environment and deliver on the organization’s goals.
• Commitment to aligning and adherence to M4ALL’s core values and purpose.

Work Environment

The position requires working in a chemical laboratory environment where exposure to chemical odors and reagents is common. Candidates should be comfortable performing hands-on laboratory work in a dynamic, fast-paced setting while adhering to all safety protocols. This role is located at the VA Bio+Tech Park in Richmond, Virginia, and candidates must be able to work onsite as a requirement of the position.

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.