Sr. Research Technician

About the Opportunity

About Northeastern:

Founded in 1898, Northeastern is a global research university and the recognized leader in experience-driven lifelong learning. Our world-renowned experiential approach empowers our students, faculty, alumni, and partners to create impact far beyond the confines of discipline, degree, and campus.

Our locations—in Boston; Arlington, Charlotte, North Carolina; London; Portland, Maine; Oakland; San Francisco; Seattle; Silicon Valley; Toronto; Vancouver; and the Massachusetts communities of Burlington and Nahant—are nodes in our growing global university system. Through this network, we expand opportunities for flexible, student-centered learning and collaborative, solutions-focused research.

Northeastern’s comprehensive array of undergraduate and graduate programs— in a variety of on-campus and online formats—lead to degrees through the doctorate in nine colleges and schools. Among these, we offer more than 195 multi-discipline majors and degrees designed to prepare students for purposeful lives and careers.

The Center for Drug Discovery

Directed by Professor Alexandros Makriyannis, the Center for Drug Discovery is dedicated to:  

• Conducting intensive research aimed at discovering novel medications that address important medical needs.

• Devising approaches and technologies that improve drug-discovery efficiency and success.

• Developing vigorous educational and research collaborations with the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries and translational research centers.

• Expanding its unique educational component for training students and postdoctoral fellows in the art and science of drug discovery and educating the public on disease processes and therapeutic frontiers.

The Center employs nearly 100 faculty members, staff, volunteers, PhD students, visiting scholars, and undergraduate students.  These activities have been supported within an infrastructure that includes state-of-the-art laboratories for chemical synthesis, cell biology and tissue culture, biochemistry, molecular modeling, biophysical methods (NMR, computational), mass spectroscopy (proteomics), and behavioral studies.  The Director’s and administrative offices are located on the first floor of the Mugar Life Sciences Building in rooms 116 and 101, respectively.

About the Opportunity:

The Center for Drug Discovery, in association with the Bouve College of Health Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, seeks to hire a Sr. Research Technician.  Under the direction of the Director of the Center for Drug Discovery and the Principal Investigator of the pertinent research project, together with Professor Anna Sromek, CDD Deputy Director, Research Programs, the Sr. Research Technician will be responsible for performing basic or applied research of a limited scope, primarily using existing theories and methods to synthesize biologically active small molecules. Responsibilities include conducting chemical synthesis of novel small molecules and complete analytical evaluation for proof of structure and purity, using state of the art methods.  The Sr. Research Technician will also participate in compilation and reporting of data to Principal Investigators, archiving of data and interpretation and preparation of materials for publication of results. In addition, the successful applicant will assist with maintaining the laboratory, including monitoring and documenting environmental health and safety protocols. Consistent and periodic written reporting on results will be required, including presentations to group scientists that may include recommendations for future research. Primary responsibility is ensuring that the research is complete, strict compliance measures are maintained, and the results are accurate.

Responsibilities:

1. Effectively plan and execute synthetic chemistry experiments; use appropriate PPE and exercise laboratory safety protocols 

2. Ensure proper execution of studies and maintain detailed records of experiments in lab

3. Act as key member of a multidisciplinary drug discovery project team, assisting with development of project strategy, and analysis and communication of complex data 

4. Manage internal and external resources to deliver quality data in an efficient manner

5. Contribute to patent, report, and scientific publication writing

6. Maintain a broad awareness of the scientific and technological landscapes of organic synthesis, medicinal chemistry and drug discovery and maintain knowledge of literature related to the areas of research pursued

7. Mentor and train junior team members

8. Foster a culture of scientific excellence, teamwork, and rigorous innovation

Qualifications:

1. BS/MS in (Medicinal) Chemistry, Pharmacology, or related field and at least two years’ experience performing synthetic chemistry experiments either independently, as instructed by a senior scholar or faculty member, or collaboratively within a team.

2. In-depth knowledge and hands-on experience with a wide range of state-of-the-art techniques required for small to medium scale organic synthesis, including experience working with moisture- and air-sensitive materials; experience with essential purification and analytical techniques: column chromatography and chromatography systems, distillation, filtration, crystallization, rotary evaporation, use of vacuum pump, GC, MS, NMR, HPLC, LC/MS, FTIR, TLC

3. Ability to develop research plans for executing strategy, operate and maintain equipment, and perform laboratory work, data analysis/interpretation, and presentation of results, with complete independence               

4. Ability to work effectively in a highly integrated team environment.

5. Highly collaborative, self-motivated, team-oriented individual, with good computer skills. 

6. Proficient with (enter applicable software programs to conduct research) Microsoft Office, Mestrenova, ChemOffice.

7. Excellent written and oral communication skills and demonstrated ability to write peer reviewed quality work or invention disclosures for patent applications, technical reports.

8. Consistent track record of accomplishments (e.g., peer-reviewed publications and/or patents).

Additional Information:

Northeastern University is an equal opportunity employer, seeking to recruit and support a broadly diverse community of faculty and staff.  Northeastern values and celebrates diversity in all its forms and strives to foster an inclusive culture built on respect that affirms inter-group relations and builds cohesion.  

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

To learn more about Northeastern University’s commitment and support of diversity and inclusion, please see www.northeastern.edu/diversity .

Position Type

Research

Additional Information

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.  

Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information.  

Northeastern University is an equal opportunity employer, seeking to recruit and support a broadly diverse community of faculty and staff.  Northeastern values and celebrates diversity in all its forms and strives to foster an inclusive culture built on respect that affirms inter-group relations and builds cohesion. 

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other  characteristic protected by applicable law.

To learn more about Northeastern University’s commitment and support of diversity and inclusion, please see www.northeastern.edu/diversity .