Research Associate II - Medicinal Chemistry, Automation

Broad Institute

Cambridge (MA)

On-site

USD 90,000 - 120,000

Full time

14 days+
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Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Life insurance
Disability insurance
401(k)
FSAs/HSA
13 paid holidays
Parental leave
Employee assistance program

Job summary

The Broad Institute is seeking a bench-based synthetic organic chemist to support an early drug discovery project by synthesizing small molecules and supporting compound management automation. The role emphasizes modern synthetic methods, purification, and rigorous documentation.

Experience in medicinal chemistry is a plus, and medicinal chemistry training is provided if needed. You will contribute to a fast-paced, collaborative environment with cross-disciplinary teams across MIT, Harvard, and

Qualifications

  • BS/BA in Chemistry with 2+ years postgraduate organic/medicinal chemistry experience or MS with 0+ years postgrad experience.
  • Experience with multi-step chemical synthesis.
  • Experience with normal phase and reverse phase chromatography and HPLC purification.
  • Experience interpreting LCMS and NMR spectra for compound characterization.
  • Proven communication of scientific results and teamwork.

Responsibilities

  • Synthesize, isolate, and purify novel small molecules to advance ongoing projects.
  • Document all laboratory work in electronic notebook promptly.
  • With supervisor, analyze and troubleshoot chemical reactions.
  • Present results to internal teams.
  • Collaborate with team members and collaborators to meet project goals and milestones.
  • Work with CDoT Compound Management and Automation teams to distribute compounds and operate automated systems.

Skills

Synthesis expertise
NMR/LCMS analysis
Electronic notebook documentation
Team collaboration
Problem-solving

Education

BS/BA in Chemistry or related field
MS in Chemistry (optional)

Tools

HPLC/LCMS
NMR spectroscopy
Chromatography purification

Job description

Description & Requirements

Embedded within the Broad Institute, the Center for the Development of Therapeutics (CDoT) is a highly collaborative organization of professional drug discovery scientists. Our mission is to translate cutting edge biological insights originating from the Broad community into impactful drug discovery projects. We partner with faculty from MIT, Harvard, and the Harvard teaching hospitals together with industry partners in pharmaceutical, biotechnology and venture capital firms to validate druggable targets and identify leads. We combine our deep expertise in drug discovery with the knowledge and unique capabilities of the Broad Institute to address a wide range of disease areas (including oncology, cardiovascular, psychiatry, infectious and rare diseases). We use systematic approaches in genomics, biology, chemistry, and machine learning coupled with the Broad's culture of creativity, risk taking, and open sharing, to successfully advance science and develop new treatments for patients. We also create new technologies and work to combine the unique capabilities of the Broad Institute to enable new therapeutic approaches that will broadly benefit the scientific community.

Position Summary

We are currently seeking a highly motivated and passionate bench-based synthetic organic chemist to support an early drug discovery project by synthesizing chemical small molecules. Additionally, this candidate will support our compound management and automation teams by maintaining and distributing the Broad's vast collection of small molecule compounds. The successful candidate will have experience with modern synthetic and purification techniques and in the characterization of small molecules. Experience in medicinal chemistry is a plus. We will provide medicinal chemistry training to support the candidate, if needed.

Key Responsibilities
  • Synthesize, isolate, and purify novel small molecules to advance ongoing projects
  • Accurately document all laboratory work in electronic notebook in a timely manner
  • With the supervisor, analyze and troubleshoot chemical reactions
  • Effectively present results to internal teams
  • Working in partnership with team members and collaborators, to deliver on project goals and milestones.
  • Work closely with CDoT Compound Management and Automation teams to fulfill requests, receive, and distribute small molecule compounds, including operating automated robotic systems and acoustic liquid handlers.
Required qualifications
  • BS/BA in Chemistry, or a closely related field, with 2+ years postgraduate organic chemistry / medicinal chemistry research experience (industry experience preferred) or an MS in chemistry with 0+ years postgraduate organic chemistry / medicinal chemistry research experience.
  • Experience with multi-step chemical synthesis
  • Experience with modern normal phase and reverse phase chromatography and HPLC purification techniques
  • Experience with obtaining, interpreting and analyzing LCMS and NMR spectra to support compound characterization
  • A proven record of successful communication of scientific results and positive interactions in a team setting

The successful candidate will be a results-focused, team-oriented scientist able to excel in a fast-track environment. They must be accountable, self-motivated, detail-oriented and exhibit problem solving skills. In addition, the successful candidate will be a clear and effective communicator, demonstrating strong interpersonal skills to enable collaboration with team members.

Working Conditions
  • Normal laboratory conditions
  • Normal office conditions

The Broad Institute will not offer visa sponsorship for this opportunity.

Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Protected Veterans/Disabled

Salary & Benefits

The expected base pay range for this position as listed above is based on a 40 hour per week schedule. Broad provides pay ranges representing its reasonable and good faith estimate of what the organization reasonably expects to pay for a position at the time of posting. Actual compensation will vary based on factors including but not limited to, relevant skills, experience, education, qualifications, and other factors permissible by law.

At Broad, your base pay is just one part of a comprehensive total rewards package. From day one, this role offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance; a 401(k) retirement plan; flexible spending and health savings accounts; at least 13 paid holidays; winter closure; paid time off; parental and family care leave; and an employee assistance program, among other Broad benefits.

The Broad Institute is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.

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