Research Chemist

About the Position

The Research Chemist will provide scientific and technical support to the Uniformed Services University (USU) Center for Biotechnology (4DBio3). The incumbent will serve as a member of an interdisciplinary team and collaborate with Principal Investigators, Co-Investigators, and research personnel to conduct experiments, analyze data, and drive scientific discovery.

This is an on-site position assigned to the Uniformed Services University Center for Biotechnology (4DBio3). A thorough government background check will be required.

About The Program

Our team member, Wellman Center for Photomedicine (WCP), pioneered the use of ABL and has successfully incorporated ABL into a wearable Photonic Antimicrobial Wound Surface (PAWS)-Dressing. Here we propose to improve and advance this technology towards clinical translation so that it can benefit injured Service Members and civilians. We will advance the PAWS-Dressing towards a tangible product by enhancing and validating both performance and design. The proposed work aligns with USUs goal as outlined in the 2021-2025 Strategic Research Plan to conduct research that supports the needs of the Warfighter and is aligned with military requirements. We specifically address a need identified in the 2021 DHA Initial Capabilities Document for combat casualty care to Develop field-deployable solutions to assess, treat, and prevent biofilm formation and wound infections.

Salary Range

$110,000 - $125,000. Salaries are determined based on several factors including external market data, internal equity, and the candidates related knowledge, skills, and abilities for the position.

Management Responsibilities

• Provide training and supervision to entry level research staff
• Develop technical and programmatic strategy and proposals to address DoD CBRN priorities.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Principal Investigators, Co-Investigators and research team members in the planning and execution of multiple research studies
• Develop chemical formulations for wound care, focusing on materials that promote healing and infection control, such as hydrogels, nanoparticles and biopolymers
• Design testing methodologies for validation of wound healing technologies
• Design, synthesize, purify and analyze peptides for clinical applications
• Develop and execute synthetic strategies towards complex molecules using state-of-the art synthetic methodologies
• Develop and implement new analytical methods as needed to support project progress
• Develop and conduct research studies in areas of specialization
• Support and oversee a wide variety of research and development (R&D) projects, ensuring timelines and deliverables are met
• Analyze experimental data and interpret results using scientific principles and statistical analysis
• Prepare, write, review and edit research progress reports and summaries, conference abstracts, technical presentations, and scientific manuscripts/reports for dissemination
• Present complex information effectively to a wide range of technical and lay audiences, to include members of senior leadership
• Contribute to the development and submission of new funding opportunities
• Remain current with scientific literature related to current projects and adjacent spaces for research expansion
• Handle and work with chemicals in a safe manner, following internal control and safety processes Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, industry standards, and internal protocols

Qualifications

• PhD in Chemistry or a related scientific discipline + 8 years (PhD) experience
• Expertise in peptide chemistry for the design/synthesis of complex peptides
• Proficient in the design of synthetic and biological routes for novel material design and synthesis
• Demonstrated mastery of the use of laboratory equipment with a preferential knowledge on the use of peptide synthesizers
• Demonstrate expertise in nanomaterial and material design for sensor and tissue engineering applications
• Excellent knowledge of common purification techniques (HPLC, IEX, GPC) and analytical techniques (UPLC/HPLC and mass spectrometry)
• Knowledge in structure elucidations of organic molecules by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and mass spectrometry (MS)
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• An ability to be flexible with changing priorities and available to interact with employees, clients and sponsors of all levels; possess a positive, friendly and professional demeanor
• An ability to exercise independent judgment in fast-paced environment with strict deadlines and to manage multiple projects; must be well organized with a keen attention to detail