Research Technician (Straub Lab)

University of Pittsburgh; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Pittsburgh is seeking a Laboratory Research Technician II in the Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology to lead design, synthesis, and optimization of novel small molecules for cardiovascular disease. The role involves collaborative work across multidisciplinary teams to advance compounds from concept to preclinical evaluation.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or a related field and hands-on medicinal chemistry experience, including multi-step

Qualifications

• Degree in Chemistry or closely related field required.
• Strong background in medicinal chemistry and multi-step synthesis.
• Experience with analytical techniques: NMR, LC-MS, HPLC, and purification methods.

Responsibilities

• Design, synthesize, and optimize novel small molecules for cardiovascular targets.
• Apply SAR principles to guide hit identification and lead optimization.
• Maintain meticulous lab notebooks and manage reagents, inventory, and equipment.

Skills

Medicinal chemistry

SAR principles

Multi-step synthesis

Analytical data interpretation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or related field

Tools

SciFinder

NMR

LC-MS

HPLC

Flash chromatography

Job description

Job Description - Research Technician (Straub Lab) (26004322)

Research Technician (Straub Lab)

Med-Pharmacology and Chemical Biology - Pennsylvania-Pittsburgh - ( 26004322 )

University of Pittsburgh

Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology

Laboratory Research Technician II

Position Summary

A Research Technician II position is available immediately in the Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh. This is a staff scientist role embedded within a drug discovery program focused on cardiovascular disease. The successful candidate will lead the design and synthesis of novel small molecules, working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to advance compounds from concept through preclinical evaluation. Salary will be commensurate with skills and experience.

Key Responsibilities

The Research Technician II will be responsible for the design, synthesis, and optimization of novel small molecules targeting cardiovascular disease pathways, applying structure-activity relationship (SAR) principles and medicinal chemistry strategies. The candidate will use computational tools and scientific literature to guide hit identification, lead optimization, and candidate selection, and will execute multi-step organic syntheses including route development, troubleshooting, and scale-up of promising compounds for biological evaluation. Compound characterization will be performed using NMR, LC-MS, HPLC, and related analytical techniques. The candidate will work closely with pharmacology colleagues to interpret in vitro and in vivo biological data and use these findings to drive iterative compound design. Maintaining an organized compound library and accurate chemical inventory is expected. The candidate will be responsible for maintaining detailed and up-to-date laboratory notebooks, records, and sample inventory logs, managing reagent and supply ordering, overseeing equipment maintenance, and developing standard operating protocols. The role also includes analyzing experimental data, preparing scientific reports, contributing to peer-reviewed publications, and assisting in the preparation of grant proposals. The candidate will be expected to collaborate with all laboratory members, fostering their development in synthetic chemistry and scientific professionalism.

Qualifications

Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree (B.S.) in Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, or a closely related field. A strong background and hands‑on proficiency in medicinal chemistry are required, including experience with multi‑step organic synthesis, reaction optimization, and purification of synthetic intermediates and final compounds using techniques such as flash column chromatography, preparative HPLC, recrystallization, or related methods. Candidates are also required to use SciFinder or other scientific databases to identify synthetic methodologies and reaction precedents. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in analytical techniques such as NMR spectroscopy, LC‑MS, and HPLC, as well as a solid understanding of SAR principles and drug‑like property optimization including ADMET considerations. Meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to accurate record‑keeping are essential.

Location and Commitment

This is a full‑time, in‑person position based at the University of Pittsburgh. The role requires regular on‑site attendance and active participation in laboratory meetings, departmental seminars, and collaborative research sessions.

Disclaimer

The job duties outlined in this job description include common job responsibilities for this title and level and are not intended to be exhaustive. The University reserves the right to assign other duties not listed in this job description.

Job Summary

Performs a variety of laboratory experiments and procedures. Prepares specimens. Oversees supply management. Operates and properly maintains equipment.

Essential Functions

Computer work: walking from place to place; standing and sitting to perform essential tasks. Good manual dexterity.

Physical Effort

Lifting and stacking of boxes of supplies, standing for extended periods required to fulfill workload. Light - Maximum lifting of up to 20 lbs. With frequent lifting/carrying of up to 10 lbs. or a negligible amount; significant walking or standing may be required or may involve sitting with a degree of pushing and pulling.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Pittsburgh is an equal opportunity employer / disability / veteran.

Assignment Category Full-time regular

Job Classification Staff.Laboratory Research Technician II

Job Family Research

Job Sub-Family Laboratory

Campus Pittsburgh

Minimum Education Level Required Bachelor's Degree

Minimum Years of Experience Required 1

Will this position accept substitution in lieu of education or experience? Combination of education and relevant experience will be considered in lieu of education and/ or experience requirement.

Work Schedule Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Work Arrangement On-Campus: Teams that work on campus, in an office, or in a lab.

Hiring Range TBD Based Upon Qualifications

Relocation Offered No

Visa Sponsorship Provided No

Background Check For position finalists, employment with the University will require successful completion of a background check

Child Protection Clearances Not Applicable

The University of Pittsburgh is an equal opportunity employer / disability / veteran.