Postdoctoral Research Associate - Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (DMPK) and Analytical Chemist

Postdoctoral Research Associate - Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (DMPK) and Analytical Chemistry - UICentre

About

The University of Illinois Collaborative Engagement in Novel Therapeutic Research and Enterprise (UICentre) is seeking a post-doctoral fellow with LC-MS/MS analytical assay experience to support pharmacokinetic (i.e. DMPK) related projects. The expertise of UICentre ranges from target validation and bioassay development to high-throughput screening analysis of novel compound libraries to medicinal chemistry incorporating structure-based, ligand-based and chemo-proteomics assisted drug design, in addition to pre-clinical drug metabolism and pharmacokinetic studies. This position will be supervised by Jeremy Johnson, PharmD, PhD.

(*Please visit the UIC job posting site to see the application deadline and instructions on how to apply.)

Job Summary

This position works with the UICentre leadership and project teams to establish and maintain comprehensive DMPK (drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics) technical resources in support of drug discovery and development. The candidate will be support the preclinical pharmacokinetics objectives of UICentre, operating in part under Food and Drug Administration Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) guidelines. The candidate will propose, design, execute/supervise, and communicate the results of experiments to evaluate small molecules/chemical entities in biological specimens (e.g. plasma, tissue) using highly specialized knowledge of state-of-the-art equipment and methodologies.

Job Responsibilities (Essential Duties)

• Work within interdisciplinary research teams to apply various LC-MS/MS technologies to support ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, toxicity) and PK (pharmacokinetics) studies and assays in support of hit-to-lead or lead-to-candidate objectives.
• Successfully perform LC-MS/MS assay development as required to enable the pharmacokinetic characterization of promising chemical entities. These assays may include but are not limited to multiple reaction monitoring (MRM), precursor ion scans, neutral loss scans, standard curve preparation, optimization of internal standards, analyte stability studies, and the assessment of other critical drug parameters or properties.
• Perform preliminary and in-depth ADME in vitro testing to define drug characteristics as stability, permeability, P450 isoform interactions, and metabolite identification.
• Plan, complete, and review the work of the preclinical core to ensure that objectives and project milestones are met.
• Attend UICentre meetings and assist UICentre Director with scientific project management as needed. Contribute to team discussions and decisions regarding new concepts for hit-to-lead optimization, structure activity relationships, ADMET properties, and other.
• Organize data for presentations and publications, configure slide sets, and present research reports to the UICentre members or other research groups.
• Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.

Job Knowledge & Skills, Education, Experience

• Ph.D. Degree in Analytical, Organic, or Medicinal Chemistry or closely related field and 1-2 years of postdoctoral research experience.
• Hands-on experience with liquid chromatography - mass spectrometry (LC-MS single-quadropole and tandem MS-MS including triple-quadropole) for pharmacokinetic analyses.
• Hands-on experience processing and extracting prospective analytes from biological samples including whole blood, plasma, urine, and tissues.
• Advanced theoretical knowledge of the chemistry of metabolic routes of transformation coupled with an in-depth understanding of experimental DMPK methodologies, both in vitro and in vivo.
• Familiarity with pre-clinical drug development best practices (GLP) and the data requirements for the preparation of regulatory documents, e.g. IND (investigational new drug) and NDA (new drug) applications.
• Excellent technical and troubleshooting abilities to ensure critical laboratory equipment performance and assay integrity; ability to adhere to strict protocols in accordance with standard operating protocols (SOPs) and GLP guidelines which includes excellent recordkeeping skills.
• Competence with various chemistry and pharmacokinetics software packages (e.g. WinNonLin, NONMEM) as well as general biomedical literature and reference resources.

Interested applicants who meet all the criteria above should send a PDF file which includes a cover letter stating career goals, CV, and contact information (including email addresses and phone numbers) for three references to:

jobs.uic.edu/job-board/job-details?jobID=143586&job=postdoc-research-associate-drug-metabolism-and-pharmacokinetics-dmpk-and-analytical-chemistry-uicentre

The University of Illinois conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of contingent offer employments. Background checks will be performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Report Act. The University of Illinois at Chicago is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer. Minorities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

The University of Illinois System requires candidates selected for hire to disclose any documented finding of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment and to authorize inquiries to current and former employers regarding findings of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment. For more information, visit www.hr.uillinois.edu/cms/One.aspx?portalId=4292&pageId=1411899