Medicinal Chemist

Axle Informatics is a bioscience and information technology company that offers advancements in translational research, biomedical informatics, and data science applications to research centers and healthcare organizations nationally and abroad. With experts in biomedical science, software engineering, and program management, we focus on developing and applying research tools and techniques to empower decision-making and accelerate research discoveries. We work with some of the top research organizations and facilities in the country including multiple institutes at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). 

Axle is seeking a highly ambitious, adaptable, structured, and detail-oriented Medicinal Chemistto join our vibrant team at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) supporting the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) located in Rockville, MD. 

Overall Position Summary and Objectives We seek an individual to support the work of the Chemical Technologies group at NCATS. This individual will provide services in solving difficult synthetic and Medicinal Chemistry challenges. The ideal candidate would demonstrate strong and up-to-date knowledge of synthetic organic chemistry methods, particularly as they are used in drug discovery settings for the preparation of both single compounds and small libraries.

Deliverables:

• Execute multistep synthesis routes to prepare final target compounds as singletons or small libraries, and on scales ranging from milligram to multigram, as project needs dictate - Weekly

Work Details:

• Provides laboratory experience needed to assist in performing various chemical experiments and procedures.
• Perform chemical and biochemical reactions and appropriate analytical analyses.
• Perform multistep organic syntheses to prepare final target compounds
• Synthesize and optimize chemical probes for potency and solubility. 3
• Utilizes and operates various complex laboratory machines and equipment.
• Operates instruments such as NMR, LCMS and microwave reactor
• Documents and analyzes results, produces detailed summaries and reports.
• Conduct and write literature reviews for current and future projects.
• Maintain up-to-date electronic laboratory notebook detailing all experiments.
• Collect and review data; analyze and interpret data and results.
• Search chemical databases for journal articles, patents and related technologies.
• Analyzes organic and inorganic compounds to determine chemical and physical properties, composition, structure, relationships between compounds, and reactions.
• Analyze samples using validated analytical methods for ongoing studies.
• Perform the total syntheses of target compounds. 2
• Perform chemical synthesis and optimization of small molecule probes for use in biological research.
• Perform organic synthesis in support of the Medicinal Chemistry program. 1
• Adds heat, light, energy or a catalyst to show changes in composition.
• Purify compounds by preparative chromatography from chemists.
• Provides laboratory experience needed to perform various complex chemical experiments and procedures.
• Synthesize and optimize chemical probes for potency and solubility.
• Prepares test solutions, compounds, and reagents and maintains necessary laboratory supplies.
• Prepare reagents and maintain an active inventory of all chemicals kept in the laboratory. 5
• Schedules, tracks and reports analyses of experiments and procedures.
• Devise synthetic routes to target molecules; produce 10-100 member libraries with acceptable purity and deliver quantities to support biological assays. 4
• Independently provides laboratory experience needed to perform various complex chemical experiments and procedures.
• Perform analytical validation and testing of compositions.
• Independently design, synthesize and optimize chemical probes for potency and solubility.
• Designs and optimizes chemical experiments and procedures.
• Develop and present plans for novel syntheses and approaches to new compounds.
• Carry out scale-up of the chemical probes of interest for additional studies.
• Trains staff on new experiments and practices, operations and maintenance of instruments and equipment, safety practices, etc.
• Work with staff to coordinate and assist junior laboratory staff in the design and execution of proper chemical/biochemical protocols.
• Designs, optimizes, and troubleshoots chemical experiments and procedures.
• Recognize unexpected test discrepancies; identify causes of discrepancies; analyze problems and recommend solutions; devise new methods to more accurately measure analyses.
• Troubleshoot and modify existing procedures.
• Manages overall maintenance of laboratory.
• Participate in laboratory clean-up events and aid laboratory managers in organizing stock-rooms and bench areas.
• Maintains, operates and calibrates numerous machines for use in various experiments and procedures.
• Operates instruments such as NMR, LCMS and microwave.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5 represents priority rankings, where 1 is highest priority and 5 is lowest priority of those ranked

Minimum Education

Master's

Additional Qualifications:

• B.S., M.S. or Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry
• 5 years of experience and B.S. equivalent to a M.S.

• Chemistry

• Powerpoint
• Excel
• Word
• Outlook

• Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
• Thin-layer chromatography
• Experience in Organic Synthesis

Benefits

• 100% Medical Dental & Vision Coverage for Employees
• Educational Benefits for Career Growth
• Paid Time Off (Including Holidays)
• Employee Referral Bonus
• Profit Sharing
• 401K Matching
• Flexible Spending Accounts:
  • Healthcare (FSA)
  • Parking Reimbursement Account (PRK)
  • Dependent Care Assistant Program (DCAP)
  • Transportation Reimbursement Account (TRN)

The diversity of Axle’s employees is a tremendous asset. We are firmly committed to providing equal opportunity in all aspects of employment and will not tolerate any illegal discrimination or harassment based on age, race, gender, religion, national origin, disability, marital status, covered veteran status, sexual orientation, status with respect to public assistance, and other characteristics protected under state, federal, or local law and to deter those who aid, abet, or induce discrimination or coerce others to discriminate.

Accessibility: If you need an accommodation as part of the employment process please contact: careers@axleinfo.com

Disclaimer: The above description is meant to illustrate the general nature of work and level of effort being performed by individual’s assigned to this position or job description. This is not restricted as a complete list of all skills, responsibilities, duties, and/or assignments required. Individuals may be required to perform duties outside of their position, job description or responsibilities as needed.