Institute Associate Scientist II - Medicinal Chemistry

Within The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center lies a powerful engine driving the future of new targeted, immune- and cell-based therapies: the Therapeutics Discovery Division. Therapeutics Discovery eliminates the bottlenecks that hamper traditional drug discovery, with a multidisciplinary team of dedicated researchers, doctors, drug developers and scientific experts working together to develop small-molecule drugs, biologics and cellular therapies. Our unique structure and collaborative approach allow the team to work with agility, bringing novel medicines from concept to clinic quickly and efficiently - all under the same roof.

The Therapeutics Discovery Division is built around four platforms: The Institute for Applied Cancer Science (IACS), ORBIT (Oncology Research for Biologics and Immunotherapy Translation), TRACTION (Translational Research to Advance Therapeutics and Innovation in Oncology) and the Neurodegeneration Consortium.

The IACS platform is focused on discovering and developing the next generation of small-molecule targeted therapies, driven by the needs we see in our patients. The team aligns world-class drug discovery and development research with the science and clinical care for which MD Anderson is known. We work in a fast-paced, milestone-driven environment with a focus on team science and interdisciplinary research. Our unique approach has created a biotech-like engine within the walls of the nation's leading cancer center to bring life-saving medicines to our patients more quickly and effectively. This model already has achieved results, with multiple programs currently in clinical and late-stage preclinical development.

As part of the IACS team the the Associate II, Medicinal Chemistry will perform for innovative research in the discovery and development of novel small molecule oncology agents. He/She will be will be responsible for the design and synthetic execution of small molecules targets to advance IACS oncology drug discovery projects. By liaising with other members of the IACS chemistry team, this individual will play a key role in the identification and optimization of the next generation of cancer therapeutics.

KEY FUNCTIONS

1.Under moderate supervision, conduct laboratory experiments to synthetize novel small molecules and support target validation and lead optimization activities within drug discovery projects.

2.Execute standard synthetic chemistry manipulations.

3.Set up and execute a variety of organic chemistry reactions, including those with air sensitive and hygroscopic reagents, to synthesize compounds.

4.Efficiently execute multistep synthesis, and productively synthesize analogs. Perform scale-up operations.

5.Efficiently plan ahead for requirements and smooth execution of multistep synthesis, efficiently manage weekly workload and assignment deadlines.

6.Perform routine purification of intermediates and final products utilizing techniques such as HPLC, flash chromatography and other related methods.

7.Characterize compounds using analytical instrumentation such as HPLC, LCMS, and NMR.

8.Under moderate supervision carry out retrosynthetic analyses to design or optimize synthetic routes to targets.

9.Under moderate supervision solve synthetic problems and propose viable synthetic modifications.

10.Participate in integrated drug discovery research activities by interacting with scientists of different disciplines.

11.Employ safe lab practices.

12.Maintain research records and laboratory notes.

Education
Required: Bachelor's degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Enzymology, Pharmacology, Chemistry or related field.

Preferred: Master's degree in organic chemistry or medicinal chemistry.

Experience

Required: One year of relevant research experience in lab. With preferred degree, no required experience.

Preferred: The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of synthetic organic and analytical chemistry with knowledge in the latest synthetic methods. Demonstrated ability to work safely in an organic chemistry lab, and perform multi-step synthetic sequences. Demonstrated ability to synthesize diverse biologically active small molecules is a plus. Some understanding of the drug discovery process would be beneficial. Qualified individuals will be technically independent in the setting up and execution of organic reactions, as well as the purification, characterization and identification of products. Demonstrated team-worker who possesses excellent problem solving capabilities and can work efficiently with minimal supervision.

It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state or local laws unless such distinction is required by law. http://www.mdanderson.org/about-us/legal-and-policy/legal-statements/eeo-affirmative-action.html

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