UNIV - Staff Scientist I - Department of Biochemistry

Job Purpose

The Staff Scientist will lead projects related to the synthesis of chemical tools, probes, and small molecule preclinical candidates. They will manage daily chemistry laboratory function and regulatory compliance, design synthetic routes, carry out the synthesis of these molecules, and fully characterize new molecules. They will advise and foster collaborations with MUSC faculty regarding the development of small molecules, keep meticulously organized notes and data, and assist in training new lab members.

Required

• A minimum of a Ph.D. in Chemistry or related subjects with extensive experience and demonstrated productivity in multi-step syntheses as evidenced by multiple high-quality publications.
• Preferred experience working with complex secondary metabolites, including total synthesis of alkaloids, and knowledge of advanced NMR techniques (e.g., 2D-NMR, qNMR, etc.).

Job Duties

• Executes synthetic routes to provide small molecules to support efforts within the Sprague Lab and across the institution (25%)
• Fully characterizes small molecules (20%)
• Performs chemical biology experiments to determine target engagement of new small molecules (15%)
• Helps to train junior members of the lab in proper lab safety and techniques in chemistry (10%)
• Prepares exceptional, well-organized daily laboratory records of experimental procedures and results (10%)
• Participates in drafting manuscripts, grants, and patents as needed (5%)
• Presents research routinely to the lab at lab meetings, participates in lab meeting discussions, and leads collaborative efforts across the institution (5%)
• Upon request, performs other tasks requested to maintain a smooth operation of the laboratory (5%)

Physical Requirements

• Ability to perform job functions in an upright position (Continuous)
• Ability to perform job functions in a seated position (Continuous)
• Ability to perform job functions while walking/mobile (Frequent)
• Ability to climb stairs (Infrequent)
• Ability to work indoors (Continuous)
• Ability to work in all cold temperature extremes, i.e. spot coolers (Frequent)
• Ability to bend at the waist (Frequent)
• Ability to twist at the waist (Frequent)
• Ability to perform 'pinching' operations (Continuous)
• Ability to fully use both hands/arms (Continuous)
• Ability to perform repetitive motions with hands/wrists/elbows and shoulders (Continuous)
• Ability to fully use both legs (Continuous)
• Ability to reach in all directions (Continuous)
• Possess good finger dexterity (Continuous)
• Ability to maintain tactile sensory functions (Continuous)
• Ability to maintain good olfactory sensory function (Continuous)
• Ability to lift and carry 30 lbs., unassisted (Frequent)
• Ability to lift objects, up to 30 lbs., from floor level to height of 72 inches, unassisted (Frequent)
• Ability to lower objects, up to 30 lbs., from height of 72 inches to floor level, unassisted (Frequent)
• Ability to push/pull objects, up to 50 lbs., unassisted (Infrequent)
• Ability to lift and carry objects up to 30 lbs. a distance of five (5) floors and to outlying buildings (Frequent)
• Ability to maintain 20/40 vision, corrected (Continuous)
• Ability to see and recognize objects close at hand (Continuous)
• Ability to see and recognize objects at a distance (Continuous)
• Ability to match or discriminate between colors (Continuous)
• Ability to determine distance/relationship between objects; depth perception (Continuous)
• Good peripheral vision capabilities (Continuous)
• Ability to maintain hearing acuity, with correction (Continuous)
• Ability to perform gross motor functions with frequent fine motor movements (Continuous)
• Ability to be qualified physically (by medical personnel) for respirator use, initially and annually (Frequent)
• Ability to work alone in isolated areas, such as darkrooms (Frequent)

Additional New Requirements

• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid drivers license
• Computer literacy
• Ability to work rotating shifts as required
• Ability to work overtime as required
• Ability to learn and use new processes, tools and equipment as required