Recruit

We seek a PhD-level chemist with excellent experience in DNA-encoded combinatorial library design, synthesis, and screening within the UCI Center for Neurotherapeutics (UCICNT).
In this laboratory-based position, the successful candidate will work within the UCICNT DNA-encoded libraries (DEL) group. The ideal candidate will review incoming targets, design and synthesize appropriate affinity-tagged targets for DEL selections, design and synthesize DELs for affinity selections, and manage all necessary bio- and cheminformatics resources. The position will interface with UCICNT medicinal chemistry for hit synthesis/follow-up and the new bioanalysis facility (SPPS).
The UCICNT: 1) fosters meaningful interactions between neuroscience / neurological disease researchers and UCI faculty who aim to expedite translational research and 2) unites neuroscience / neurological disease researchers with UCI clinical colleagues whose academic and patient care interests align with ongoing research efforts at the bench to accelerate translation to the bedside.

Responsibilities of the Project Scientist include:
• Maintaining a high level of productivity in the laboratory setting
• Working with autonomy to design experiments, interpret data, and propose next steps
• Design DELs with high structural diversity using robust chemistry; synthesize the resulting libraries and perform QC to validate the DEL synthesis
• Prepare prioritized protein targets for DEL affinity selections, conduct selections and work with the broader UCI DEL team to deconvolute screens and generate hit lists for analysis
• Interface with the UCICNT medicinal chemistry to select hits for follow up; design new hit expansion libraries for more detailed hit-to-lead optimization
• Working on novel, testable hypotheses to enable clear decision making.
• Contributing to scientific strategies and goals within a team setting.
• Presenting data and reports on project status at individual and group meetings.
• Generating data for and serving as co-author on research published in peer reviewed journals and presenting work at scientific conferences
• Training junior scientists to perform subsets of the above tasks

Qualifications
• A Ph.D. is required in synthetic chemistry, chemical biology/biochemistry, biological/biochemical engineering, or a related subject area or currently in a corresponding PhD program with an anticipated graduation / completed degree by Spring 2024.

Preferred Qualifications
• A strong track record of achievement in chemistry or biomedical engineering through peer-reviewed publications, patents, and presentations
• Deep knowledge of DEL workflows (including DEL design, synthesis, QC, selections etc).
• Intellectual curiosity to improve established methods and explore new laboratory workflows is required.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including preparation of presentations, is required.

TO APPLY: Please log onto UCI’s RECRUIT located at: https://recruit.ap.uci.edu/apply/JPF08714
Applicants should complete an online application profile and upload application materials electronically to be considered for the position:

1. Curriculum Vitae & Cover Letter
2. Statement of Research
3. Inclusive Excellence Activities Statement
4. Sexual Misconduct, Harassment, & Discrimination Declaration Form

The University of California, Irvine is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.