Medicinal Chemistry

The mission of The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center is to eliminate cancer in Texas, the nation and the world through outstanding programs that integrate patient care, research and prevention, and through education for undergraduate and graduate students, trainees, professionals, employees and the public.

Summary

MD Anderson is known for providing cancer patients with exceptional care, which includes early access to innovative new treatments through clinical trials. The Institute for Applied Cancer Science (IACS) is a new hybrid model that uniquely combines the drug discovery capabilities of the biopharmaceutical industry and the extensive knowledge of biology found in academia with the expertise of MD Anderson's top clinicians. IACS has the singular goal of rapidly developing novel, effective and safe therapeutics that improve patient health. IACS executes programs with the highest probability of clinical success in a rigorous, goal-oriented, data-driven manner.

Key Functions

1. Coordinate the application of cutting edge synthetic and medicinal chemistry approaches to advance small-molecule drug discovery programs from lead identification through lead optimization and selection of appropriate candidates towards clinical development.

2. Lead in the design and synthesis of small molecule modulators of protein targets through leadership and experimental activities.

3. Analyze data generated on lead compounds by other groups including ADME/PK, in vitro and in vivo pharmacology and program biology teams, and leverage results for the design of future compounds with superior overall profiles.

4. Lead in the hypothesis generation and design of new target molecules with improved overall profile

5. Lead the optimization of novel series of complex drug candidates to improve the overall potency, selectivity, tolerability and ADME profile.

6. Work closely with computational chemists and other drug discovery project team members towards the design and optimization of compounds.

7. Manage patent filings in order to secure the intellectual property rights for novel small molecules.

8. Ability to work in a dynamic team environment and liaise with members of cross functional team across disciplines

9. Contribute to the design of preclinical efficacy and safety studies for lead compounds.

10. Supervise and mentor medicinal chemistry team members.

11. Employ safe lab practices.

12. Maintain research records and laboratory notes.

Core Competencies:

1. Self-Motivation (Transitional): Set high standards of performance; pursue goals with energy and persistence; drive for results and achievement.
   • Demonstrate a personal sense of urgency in getting results. Use personal and management standards to complete assignments.
   • Seek to influence standards with proven business practices. Improve own performance by making specific changes in system or work methods.

1. Self-Adaptability (Transitional): Work in situations involving uncertainty, shifting priorities, and rapid change; deal constructively with mistakes and setbacks; demonstrate flexibility.
   • Help coworkers with tasks as necessary. Smoothly handle multiple demands, shifting priorities and rapid change. Persist despite obstacles.
   • Change own immediate behavior or approach to suit the situation. Remain open-minded and adjust approach on basis of new information.
2. Technical/Functional Expertise (Independent Contributor): Demonstrate technical proficiency required to do the job; possess up-to-date knowledge in the profession; provide technical expertise to others.
   • Apply basic technical/functional knowledge to complete work. Meet essential position requirements.
   • Seek experiences and knowledge in technical/functional areas to gain additional expertise. Troubleshoot systems/processes effectively.

1. Analytical Thinking (Transitional): Gather relevant information systematically; break down problems into simple components; make sound decisions.
   • Identify relationships among a few parts of a problem. Scan own knowledge and experience base to determine potential solutions.
   • See multiple relationships among several parts of a problem. Recognize likely causes of events or consequences of actions. Use data from multiple sources to support assumptions.

1. Team with Others (Independent Contributor): Encourage collaboration and input from all team members; value the contributions of all team members, and those beyond team; balance individual and team goals.
   • Support and show respect to team members. Recognize how individual actions affect the team.
   • Model team qualities, i.e. respect helpfulness and coping. Support team decisions once they are made and help to implement.

The Institute Senior Research Scientist, Medicinal Chemistry, will participate in cross-functional research to advance the small molecule oncology drug discovery programs. By liaising with the other members of cross-functional project team drug discovery teams, including computational chemistry, in vitro pharmacology and biology teams, this individual will be a key leader in the identification and optimization of the next generation of cancer therapeutics.

Working Conditions

Office environment

This position requires:

Working in Office Environment

____No

__X_ Yes

Working in Patient Care Unit (e.g. Nursing unit; outpatient clinic)

_X_ No

____ Yes

Exposure to human/animal blood, body fluids, or tissues

__X__No

__ _ Yes

Exposure to harmful chemicals

__X__No

___ Yes

Exposure to radiation

_X_ No

____ Yes

Physical Demands

Indicate the time required to do each of the following physical demands:

Time Spent

Never

0%

Occasionally

1-33%

Frequently

34-66%

Continuously

67-100%

Standing

Walking

Sitting

Reaching

Lifting/Carrying

Up to 10 lbs

10lbs to 50 lbs

More than 50 lbs

Pushing/Pulling

Up to 10 lbs

10lbs to 50 lbs

More than 50 lbs

Use computer/keyboard

EDUCATION:

Required: Master's degree in Biology, Biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, enzymology, pharmacology, chemistry or related field.

Preferred: PhD in one of the natural sciences or related field or Medical degree.

EXPERIENCE:
Required: Eight years experience of relevant research experience in lab. With preferred degree, three years of required experience.

Preferred: Relevant industrial experience within the pharmaceutical or biotech industry, with track record of contribution to at least one successful medicinal chemistry discovery, optimization and development project.

The ideal candidate will have strong synthetic organic and medicinal chemistry background, a broad understanding of the drug discovery process and of the requirements to successfully develop new clinical agents. Candidate will have demonstrated ability to design small molecules to optimize multiple physical/pharmacological parameters simultaneously, a strong knowledge of medicinal chemistry and contemporary synthetic organic chemistry, with a demonstrated track record of creative independent problem solving. Experienced at contributing to medicinal chemistry teams, solving problems to advance projects toward the clinic. Skilled experimentalist with demonstrated ability to conduct challenging multi-step organic chemistry synthesis and overcome synthetic hurdles, trained in various purification and analytical techniques. Strong publication record in peer reviewed journals. Excellent communication, writing, and organizational skills are a must. Ideally, the candidate will be familiar with oncology drug discovery and have some understanding of cancer biology.

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