Senior Scientist

About the Role

We are looking for a Senior Scientist to support the National Institute on Aging (NIA) research program through advanced synthetic chemistry, analytical chemistry, and laboratory operations support. This is a full-time position located in Baltimore, MD.

Responsibilities

• Design efficient total organic synthesis schemes for oxylipins, endocannabinoids, SPMs, stable analogs, and other endogenous lipid mediators.
• Prepare, purify, isolate, and characterize compounds from synthesis or cell extracts using flash chromatography, HPLC, LCMS, MS/MS, UV-Vis, and NMR.
• Lead high-priority research projects, develop new procedures and techniques, and advance scientific discoveries focused on novel research treatments.
• Examine biochemical pathways, enzymatic transformations, biochemical stability, and compound properties to identify and evaluate endogenous mediator structures.
• Apply enzymatic, biogenic, and enantioselective synthesis approaches, including stability testing and full spectral characterization.
• Perform site-directed peptide and protein chemical modifications; design and screen neo-epitopes as antigens for monoclonal and polyclonal antibody development.
• Support synthetic and analytical chemistry for complex lipo-particles, including lipoproteins, and conduct liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry analyses using ion trap and triple quadrupole techniques.
• Maintain, calibrate, troubleshoot, and oversee laboratory instrumentation, equipment, inspections, infrastructure maintenance, evaluations, and routine maintenance activities.
• Train laboratory personnel on instrumentation, laboratory techniques, and synthetic chemistry methodologies; provide on-site technical guidance to staff, fellows, post-doctoral researchers, technicians, and trainees.
• Maintain accurate electronic laboratory notebooks, research documentation, and data management for processed compounds and research projects.
• Coordinate with junior staff to improve research protocols and develop safe handling procedures for laboratory chemicals and equipment.
• Support laboratory resource planning, future allocation reviews, procurement quotes, and supply, chemical, and equipment purchasing activities.
• Search scientific literature for relevant methods and techniques; analyze, interpret, and communicate findings through reports, presentations, manuscripts, meetings, conferences, and symposia.
• Co-author peer-reviewed manuscripts and present project updates and research findings to laboratory members and leadership.
• Attend meetings and conference calls, provide regular project status updates, and adhere to all safety, security, regulatory, and confidentiality requirements.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Biology, Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline.
• Minimum ten (10) years of experience supporting biological, biochemical, synthetic chemistry, or related laboratory research programs.
• Background conducting organic synthesis and compound purification activities.
• Proficiency utilizing analytical techniques including HPLC, LCMS, MS/MS, UV-Vis, and NMR.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain laboratory records, research documentation, and electronic laboratory notebooks.
• Skilled in analyzing and interpreting scientific data and preparing technical reports.
• Ability to train laboratory personnel and provide technical guidance.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to work onsite in a laboratory environment and comply with established safety requirements.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Federal or DoD "public trust"; candidates must receive approved adjudication prior to onboarding. Candidates with an active public trust or suitability are preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced background in synthetic organic chemistry.
• Knowledge of endogenous lipid mediator synthesis and characterization.
• Familiarity with oxylipins, endocannabinoids, lipid-peptide adducts, and specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs).
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Hands-on use of enzymatic synthesis techniques, including lipoxygenase enzyme applications.
• Exposure to laboratory operations, resource planning, and equipment lifecycle management.
• Track record authoring peer-reviewed scientific publications.
• Ability to present research findings at national scientific meetings and conferences.
• Prior support for federal research programs, academic laboratories, or biomedical research environments.

Pay

The annual salary range for this position is $149,000.00–$248,000.00. Compensation decisions depend on a wide range of factors, including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, security clearances, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs.

Benefits

• Medical, Rx, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Personal and Family Sick Time & Company Paid Holidays
• Parental Leave
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Group Term Life and Travel Assistance
• Voluntary Life and AD&D Insurance
• Health Savings Account, Health Care & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Transit and Parking Commuter Benefits
• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• Tuition Reimbursement, Personal Development, Certifications & Learning Opportunities
• Employee Referral Program
• Corporate Sponsored Events & Community Outreach
• Care.com annual membership
• Employee Assistance Program
• Supplemental Benefits via Corestream (Critical Care, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, Legal Assistance and ID theft protection, etc.)

Position may be eligible for a discretionary variable incentive bonus.

This response is AI-generated, for reference only.