Chemical Management Specialist - Research

About the Work Unit

The Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology (VICB) is a multi-disciplinary institute within the Basic Sciences of the Vanderbilt School of Medicine. Founded in 2002, the VICB's stated mission was to "establish research and education programs in the application of chemical technologies to important biological problems." The VICB provides a vibrant interdisciplinary environment that fosters new discovery and research innovation at Vanderbilt. It will be critical to the future exploration of new dimensions for successful multi-investigator initiatives and the ongoing integration of chemical biology education and research into disease-focused programs across the Vanderbilt campus.

Key Functions and Expected Performance

1. Compound Inventory Management, Registration, and Distribution

• Lead all aspects of compound management (CM), including compound tracking, registration, and distribution while maintaining a high level of efficiency, rigor, and quality in operation.
• Provide customized compound distribution and reformatting.
• Coordinates purchase of new and refreshed compounds and library acquisitions, including registration, reformatting, storage, and distribution.
• Coordinate post-screening compound reorder requests, requiring external vendor communications, cost estimates, procurement, communication with requestors, and tracking and managing compound delivery.
• In collaboration with HTS Software Engineer, troubleshoot, maintain, and develop software and hardware, as required, for integration between instruments and database.
• Supervise research staff to perform weekly compound management support tasks. 

2. Point of Contact for All Compound Management Library Screening Needs

• Provide prompt response to compound management requests from users, PI's, outside staff, and HTS staff scientists, including compound reorders, distributions, plate requests, etc.
• Interact with staff Research Analyst to assure rigorous compound tracking to ensure high-quality screening data and its curation.

3. Maintenance and Service of Compound Management-Associated Instrumentation

• Maintain records of compound management-associated instrument usage and standard operation procedures (SOPs). Coordinate calibration of and service on CM instruments. Primary CM instruments include: Zinnser Analytical system, Hamilton Verso M2 robotic compound storage system, and ECHO 650 acoustic liquid dispenser.
• Manage compound management-associated instrumentation troubleshooting and maintenance, including correspondence with vendor service engineers as required.
• Conduct training, including one-on-one and group sessions, on shared compound management-associated equipment such as the ECHO 650 acoustic liquid dispenser instrument. 

4. Process, Track, and Bill Project Requests

• Utilize Agilent CrossLab iLab Software for project processing and billing.
• Utilize Asana Software for project management and task assignments.
• Assist in generation of compound management cost estimates for custom CM orders and proposed screening campaigns. Initiate purchase requisitions within the procurement system for approved screens.

5. Miscellaneous

• Attend and contribute to VICB and HTS operational, data management, and core team meetings. Provide compound management updates, communicate needs, and address post-meeting action items in a timely manner.
• In collaboration with the Core lab manager, contribute to the smooth operation of the Core facility by ensuring compound management-associated areas are clean, organized, safe, and fully stocked.
• Keep abreast of the most recent advances in Compound Management and best practices by attending external meetings (such as SLAS Sample Management).

Education and Certifications

• A bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology or related scientific discipline is required.

Supervisory Relationships

This position does have supervisory responsibility, this position reports administratively and functionally to the institute and core director.

Experience and Skills

• A minimum of six years of relevant professional experience in a research laboratory environment is required, with demonstrated experience in compound management, laboratory instrumentation, sample or inventory management, high-throughput screening, or closely related scientific operations.
• Exceptional organizational skills with meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining the integrity, accuracy, and traceability of research samples, inventories, and laboratory records.
• Strong laboratory and technical proficiency in handling biological or chemical samples, operating laboratory instrumentation, and following standardized procedures while ensuring high-quality, reproducible results.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary research teams, provide outstanding customer service, and clearly communicate technical information.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced research environment through effective planning, time management, problem-solving, and independent decision-making.
• Commitment to scientific rigor, quality, and continuous improvement through adherence to laboratory safety practices, quality control procedures, and process optimization.
• Proficiency with laboratory data and inventory management systems and standard office software, with the ability to maintain accurate records, analyze information, and support efficient laboratory operations.