Research Scientist

JOB PURPOSE:

The successful candidate will play a critical role in the design, synthesis, and characterization of novel nanomaterials for drug delivery applications, as well as the development of advanced chemical biology tools. This individual will be responsible for applying expertise in nanoparticle production, fluorescent labeling strategies for biomolecules, and robust bioconjugate synthesis to advance our pipeline of innovative therapeutics and diagnostics.

SUPERVISORY AUTHORITY:

This position may involve supervising undergraduate and graduate students.

NATURE AND SCOPE:

Internal contacts include Jacqueline Smith. External contacts include N/A.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

The Research Scientist will be responsible for the following.

● Design, synthesize, and characterize various types of nanoparticles (e.g., liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, inorganic nanoparticles) for targeted drug delivery, gene therapy, or diagnostic imaging applications.

● Optimize nanoparticle formulation parameters (size, morphology, surface charge, drug loading, release kinetics) for desired in vitro and in vivo performance.

● Develop and implement robust analytical methods for nanoparticle characterization (e.g., DLS, TEM, SEM, HPLC, UV-Vis, fluorescence spectroscopy).

● Evaluate the stability, biocompatibility, and efficacy of nanoparticle-based systems.

● Develop and optimize strategies for site-specific and quantitative fluorescent labeling of peptides, proteins, antibodies, and other biomolecules.

● Work with a variety of fluorescent dyes and fluorophores, including organic dyes, quantum dots, and fluorescent proteins.

● Characterize labeled biomolecules for purity, integrity, and functionality using techniques such as gel electrophoresis, mass spectrometry, and fluorescence spectroscopy.

● Design and execute synthetic routes for the efficient and reproducible conjugation of various molecules (e.g., drugs, targeting ligands, imaging agents) to nanoparticles, peptides, proteins, and other biomolecules.

● Utilize a range of bioconjugation chemistries (e.g., click chemistry, amide coupling, maleimide chemistry, hydrazone formation) to achieve desired conjugation outcomes.

● Purify and characterize bioconjugates using appropriate chromatographic and spectroscopic methods.

● Design and synthesize novel small molecules, linkers, and probes for various biological applications.

● Presenting research findings at regular group meetings, as well as local and national conferences

● Publishing findings in peer-reviewed journals

CORE COMPETENCIES:

● Extensive hands-on experience with the synthesis, characterization, and application of various nanoparticle systems for drug delivery (e.g., liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, micelles, dendrimers).

● Proficiency in a wide range of analytical techniques for nanoparticle characterization (e.g., DLS, TEM, SEM, cryo-TEM, HPLC, FPLC, UV-Vis, fluorescence spectroscopy, zeta potential).

● Demonstrated expertise in diverse bioconjugation chemistries (e.g., EDC/NHS, maleimide-thiol, click chemistry, hydrazone, oxime ligations).

● Proven ability to design and execute strategies for fluorescent labeling of peptides, proteins, and other biomolecules.

● Strong background in organic synthesis and purification techniques (e.g., column chromatography, HPLC, LC-MS).

● Solid understanding of biomolecular interactions and protein chemistry.

● Proficiency in data analysis software and scientific literature databases.

● Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

● Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team in a fast-paced environment.

● Strong problem-solving skills and a commitment to scientific rigor.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

M.S. in Chemical Biology or Biochemistry and 1-2 years of experience or Ph.D. Chemical Biology or Biochemistry