Scientist I, Chemistry

Southern Research; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k) Match

Life Insurance

Paid Time Off

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Southern Research offers a challenging role in synthetic chemistry for small molecule drug discovery. You will design, synthesize and characterize organic compounds, maintain notebooks, and contribute to publications and patents under PI guidance.

You will interpret analytical and PK data, operate specialized equipment, and stay current with literature while collaborating across teams in a dynamic lab environment.

Qualifications

• BS in Chemistry or related discipline with 8 years of laboratory experience in organic synthesis; or MS with 5 years; or PhD with 2 years.
• Advanced knowledge of equipment, procedures and methods for synthesizing new compounds.
• Strong background in synthetic organic chemistry; keen interest in medicinal chemistry applications.
• Proficiency with ChemDraw, MestReNova and MS Office; ability to work in a collaborative team.

Responsibilities

• Provides research and technical support to one or more Principal Investigators.
• Maintains accurate E-notebooks with detailed procedures and analyses.
• Designs, synthesizes, purifies, and fully characterizes organic molecules with limited supervision.
• Compiles data for compounds submitted to analyses and contributes to reports, publications and patents.
• Operates and maintains scientific equipment; learns new instrumental techniques.
• Keeps literature awareness and interprets analytical, ADME and PK data with limited supervision.
• Attends and presents progress updates for assigned projects; adheres to safety requirements.

Skills

Synthetic organic chemistry

Safety compliance

Collaborative teamwork

Education

BS in Chemistry or related discipline (8+ years of synthesis)

MS in Chemistry or related discipline (5 years)

PhD in Organic or Medicinal Chemistry (2+ years)

Tools

ChemDraw

MestReNova

Microsoft Office

Job description

Southern Research + You

Discover a career where your work truly matters. Southern Research has been translating science into real-world solutions since 1941. Join our innovative team and enjoy benefits like medical, dental, vision, 401(k) match, life insurance, PTO, an employee assistance program, and more.

General Summary

This position is responsible for providing synthetic chemistry support for our small molecule drug discovery projects utilizing standard laboratory techniques and methods, providing interpretations, contributing to the development of research documentation for publications and providing technical reports, papers, and/or records.

• Provides research and technical support to one or more Principal Investigators.
• Maintains accurate and clean E-notebooks with detailed procedures and proper analytical data attached,
• Designs, synthesizes, purifies, and fully characterizes organic molecules with limited supervision.
• Compiles and maintains data for compounds submitted to relevant analyses.
• Contributes to progress reports, publications and patents derived from project data.
• Operates and maintains scientific equipment. Learns new instrumental techniques.
• Maintains clean notebooks with detailed procedures and proper analytical data attached.
• Maintains awareness of current literature.
• Collects and interprets analytical/spectral, ADME, and PK data with limited supervision.
• Attends and presents regular progress updates for the assigned projects.
• Observes appropriate safety requirements.

Requirements/Minimum Qualifications

• Education and experience:
  • BS in Chemistry or related discipline and 8 years of laboratory experience performing organic synthesis; or
  • MS in Chemistry or related discipline and 5 years of laboratory experience performing organic synthesis; or
  • Ph.D. in Organic or Medicinal Chemistry with at least 2 years of laboratory experience performing organic synthesis.
• Advanced knowledge of equipment, procedures and methods of analysis associated with the synthesis of new compounds.
• Strong synthetic organic chemistry background required.
• Keen interest in understanding the application of medicinal chemistry principles.
• Competency in ChemDraw, MestReNova, Microsoft Office Suites products and other relevant software.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative team environment.
• Ability to observe appropriate safety requirements

Core Values

Cultivating human connection – putting people first. We know that every individual makes a difference and that no one can do it alone. We believe the world’s most powerful resource is human potential. We are an inclusive and courageous team where innovation and diversity of though go hand in hand. We understand that relationships move at the speed of trust.
Operating with precise execution – measuring what matters and owning results as a team. We leverage data to drive decisions that advance science. We recognize the importance of a stable foundation coupled with an agile mindset. We hold ourselves accountable and take pride in our work. We give and receive candid feedback as a gift that keeps us growing.
Harnessing relentless curiosity – our unstoppable, innovative force. We are driven to ask sharp questions and push the boundaries of knowledge. We use creativity and critical thinking as catalysts for finding solutions that change lives. We learn by doing, consistently striving to improve our relationships, training, methodologies, questions and results.
Stewarding a healthy community – implementing sustainable operations for a safe, engaging environment. We don’t compromise on safety and health for our employees, customers or community. We believe a healthy community begins with inclusive economic opportunities. We respect the dignity of the patients we ultimately serve. We are motivated to serve communities that are underserved and markets that are overlooked.

Job-Specific Behaviors

Planning and Organization - Systematically identifies issues to be addressed and plans a course of action for self and others to ensure the accomplishment of specific objectives

Technical Expertise - Possesses and applies professional/technical knowledge, skills, experience, and judgment to accomplish scientific goals.

Continuous Learning - Targets learning needs; seeks learning activities; maximizes learning; applies knowledge or skill; and takes risks in learning

Communication - Effectively communicates with others in verbal and written form

Quality Orientation - Follows procedures, ensures high-quality outputs and takes action

Innovation – Challenges paradigms; thinks expansively; leverages diverse resources; evaluates multiple solutions; and ensures relevance

Adaptability – Tries to understand changes; approaches change or newness positively; and adjusts behavior

Work Environment & Conditions

• This position is a laboratory environment and requires the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) including:
  • Safety glasses
  • Laboratory coats
  • Nitrile and latex gloves (varies based on tasks)
  • Safety mask/face cover when required.
• Ability to perform work utilizing a computer for extended periods of time.
• Ability to sit for extended periods of time without being able to leave the work area.

Work Authorization

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Southern Research is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of race, color, national origin, ancestry, gender, sex, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

We are an equal opportunity employer and seek to create a diverse and inclusive workplace. Our hiring, training, promotion, and compensation practices are based on the principles of fairness, equality, and merit.

Southern Research prohibits discrimination or harassment of any kind, including harassment based on any protected characteristic. We are committed to maintaining a work environment where all individuals are treated with respect, dignity, and fairness.

In addition, we provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state laws. We also offer support for individuals who require accommodations due to religious practices or beliefs.

If you have any concerns about discrimination or harassment, please contact [e-mail] immediately. We are committed to investigating all concerns thoroughly and promptly and taking appropriate corrective action when necessary.