Staff Scientist - Medicinal Chemistry

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), is recruiting for a Staff Scientist within its Intramural Research Program (IRP) located in Baltimore, Maryland.  The goal of this search is to identify a candidate who will enhance the medicinal chemistry – organic synthesis and radioligand binding program within the Molecular Targets & Medications Discovery Branch (MTMDB).

We are seeking a candidate who is committed to scientific excellence and understands the intellectual benefits of collaborative research to provide synthetic organic chemical support to researchers at NIDA as well as external collaborators. In addition, the candidate must be able to lead a radiolabelled binding assay lab within the Medicinal Chemistry Section.  Applicants must hold an MD, PhD or equivalent degree.  Criteria for selection include extensive experience in the design and chemical synthesis of novel ligands for multiple G-protein coupled receptor targets, including the design of bivalent and bitopic molecules, dual target ligands and tools that require multistep syntheses, as well as devising scalable routes to selected compounds that will be tested in vivo.  Applicants must have experience in complex, multistep chemical synthesis of up to 100g of pure final product with complete chemical characterization. In addition, the applicant must have significant experience in running a radioligand binding program, devising new binding assays, analyzing data and keeping an internal database.

The selected candidate will carry out the research within the Medicinal Chemistry Section of the MTMDB, and will be responsible for leading research projects, training post-doctoral and post-baccalaureate fellows, as well as collaborating with other intramural and extramural research groups. Candidates must have expertise in analytical and purification techniques, including GC-MS, chiral HPLC, NMR, IR, automated equipment for flash chromatography and optical resolution.  Candidates must also be able to present oral presentations and written manuscripts, the latter for publication in refereed scientific journals and has a clear record of at least 20 of such publications.  Experience in mentoring junior trainees and in establishing collaborations across different disciplines is also highly desirable. Salary will be commensurate with experience.

The position is open to both U.S. and non-U.S. citizens. 

Interested candidates must submit a curriculum vitae, bibliography, a one-page summary of research interests, and the names and contact information (work/email addresses, phone) of three references (via pdf or Microsoft word format only – paper applications will not be accepted) to: Amy Newman, Ph.D., Chief, Medicinal Chemistry Section, Branch Chief, Molecular Targets & Medications Discovery Branch, NIDA, IRP: [email protected] .

Applications will be accepted until August 27, 2021.

The NIH encourages the application and nomination of qualified women, minorities and individuals with disabilities.