Research Associate III - Medicinal Chemistry

Job ID: req3956
Employee Type: exempt full-time
Division: Clinical Research Program
Facility: Generic Location
Location: 9800 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD 20850 USA

The Frederick National Laboratory is a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) sponsored by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and operated by Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc. The lab addresses some of the most urgent and intractable problems in the biomedical sciences in cancer and AIDS, drug development and first-in-human clinical trials, applications of nanotechnology in medicine, and rapid response to emerging threats of infectious diseases.

Accountability, Compassion, Collaboration, Dedication, Integrity and Versatility; it's the FNL way.

**THIS POSITION IS CONTINGENT UPON FUNDING APPROVAL**

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Within Leidos Biomedical Research Inc., the Clinical Research Directorate (CRD) provides project and operational management of initiatives in support of the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS). NCATS supported efforts include management of the Therapeutics Development Branch (TDB) drug development programs such as gene therapies and antiviral therapeutic candidates. NCATS stimulates drug discovery and development collaboration between NIH, Leidos, academic scientists, nonprofit organizations, and pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. 

KEY ROLES/RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Contributes to the Antiviral Program for Pandemics (APP) initiative by providing medicinal chemistry technical support
• Works according to established research and development practices, including contributing to project plans and meeting expectations for operational performance
• Supports the design, synthesis, purification, and characterization of bioactive compounds with techniques such as column chromatography (e.g., high performance liquid chromatography), nuclear magnetic resonance and parallel or combinatorial synthesis
• Provides technical expertise in the implementation and execution of chemistry design and synthesis improvements
• Evaluates the structure-activity relationships of compounds
• Reviews and analyzes data from ADME and PK studies
• Summarizes data and prepares reports for individual or sets of compounds
• Executes assigned projects with minimal supervision
• Prepares documentation associated with project/objectives including technical reports, SOPs, project specific protocols and reports
• Contributes to manuscripts and scientific presentations
• Complies with internal requirements and quality system
• Works with automated systems, such as robotics, system integration and software programming
• Analyzes data and presents findings at meetings
• Anticipates technical obstacles and contributes to troubleshooting
• Performs review of project-specific documents
• Supports development of appropriate communication strategies and plans to facilitate and maintain communication among scientific, regulatory, safety, monitoring, laboratory, and project team members.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

To be considered for this position, you must minimally meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below:

• Possession of Bachelor’s degree in a field related to biomedical research/clinical trials/health from an accredited college/university according to the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or four (4) years relevant experience in lieu of degree. Foreign degrees must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency
• In addition to the education requirement, a minimum of eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience
• Experience, expertise, and training relevant to conduct the design, synthesis, purification, and characterization of bioactive compounds and evaluate new bioactive compounds by regarding biochemical, molecular biochemical and pharmacological topics
• Excellent written and oral communication skills including strong report writing and presentation skills
• Strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills
• Experience in analysis, planning, and problem solving
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail
• Ability to work effectively, both independently and as a team member, with consistent ability to take initiative and make an active contribution to the team's performance
• Demonstrated proficiency in Windows® and Microsoft® Office Suite including Word®, Excel®, and Outlook®
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates with these desired skills will be given preferential consideration:

• Familiarity with medicinal chemistry research and development projects
• Experience contributing to federally funded research studies

Commitment to Diversity
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.
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