Staff Scientist - Medicinal Chemistry

6d6 days ago

Baylor College of Medicine

Houston, US · Full-time · $90,000 – $120,000

About this role

The Erwin Lab at Baylor College of Medicine seeks a Staff Scientist to design and synthesize novel ligands for treating repeat expansion diseases. This position will lead the synthesis of pyrrole-imidazole polyamides and conjugates. The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in multi-step organic synthesis.

Execute multi-step syntheses of pyrrole-imidazole polyamides via manual solid-phase synthesis using Fmoc- and Boc-protected amino acids. Conjugate polyamides to small molecules using standard coupling chemistry with various linker designs. Purify compounds by reverse-phase HPLC and characterize by NMR and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry.

Maintain detailed laboratory notebooks and present findings at lab meetings. Maintain chemical inventory and ensure laboratory safety compliance. May supervise graduate students and undergraduate researchers on synthesis projects at the direction of the PI.

Optimize linker chemistries and conjugation strategies to enhance compound stability and cellular uptake. Synthesize fluorescently-labeled analogs for uptake studies. Troubleshoot and optimize synthetic routes for challenging targets to translate innovations into therapeutic leads.

Requirements

Doctoral Degree; experience may not be substituted in lieu of degree
Three years of post doctoral research experience
Familiarity with HPLC purification, NMR, and mass spectrometry characterization required
Ph.D. in Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, or related field
Demonstrated expertise in multi-step organic synthesis
Experience with solid-phase peptide synthesis, heterocyclic chemistry, and/or natural product synthesis preferred
Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently

Responsibilities

Design and synthesize small molecule ligands that can be conjugated with pyrrole-imidazole polyamides for therapeutic applications
Execute multi-step syntheses of pyrrole-imidazole polyamides via manual solid-phase synthesis using Fmoc- and Boc-protected amino acids
Conjugate polyamides to small molecules using standard coupling chemistry with various linker designs
Purify compounds by reverse-phase HPLC and characterize by NMR and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry
Maintain detailed laboratory notebooks and present findings at lab meetings
Optimize linker chemistries and conjugation strategies to enhance compound stability and cellular uptake
Synthesize fluorescently-labeled analogs for uptake studies
Troubleshoot and optimize synthetic routes for challenging targets