We seek a Synthetic Organic Chemist to join a dynamic and growing team at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) Experimental Therapeutics Branch in the Drug Discovery and Development group’s Synthetic Chemistry section. The ET Branch is tasked with developing and testing small molecule therapeutics against a wide range of pathogens and environmental toxins, most notably parasites that cause diseases such as Malaria and leishmaniasis. Primary responsibilities of this position will include synthesizing, purifying and characterizing compounds of interest.

The candidate will assist with drug discovery, drug mechanistic studies and product evaluations. The candidate will support both pre-clinical and clinical drug development. Work will include the synthesis and characterization of up to gram quantities of drug product using a range of sophisticated analytical techniques ranging from NMR to elemental analysis.

***Contingent upon contract award***

Duties include, but not limited to:

• Synthesize compounds of interest to the program as directed by the lead chemist
• Develop and optimize synthetic methods to synthesize compounds.
• Utilize multiple-step syntheses on a milligram to gram reaction scale to purify products of interest
• Use appropriate instrumentation such as, NMR, IR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and elemental analysis to characterize the products of chemical reactions
• Prepare compounds of interest for shipment to biology test systems
• Submit compounds to the LIMS
• Meet bi-weekly with key administrative and technical staff to receive performance tasks, report progress, and troubleshoot technical issues
• Prepare monthly status reports
• Prepare detailed reports on procedures, protocols, and experimental data in a format suitable for publication and/or patent disclosure
• Maintain laboratory chemical inventory according to established WRAIR procedures and maintain a safe, well-stocked and clean laboratory in accordance with WRAIR technical and safety protocols
• Prepare purchase orders as needed to support synthesis of new chemical compounds and maintain laboratory inventory
• Support any laboratory activities, to include general upkeep as well as chemical storage and movement and equipment usage and maintenance
• Train and mentor new laboratory chemists in all WRAIR laboratory procedures and protocols
• Support the in-processing and orientation of incoming laboratory chemists
• Assist the project teams as needed with all aspects of the synthesis, purification and characterization of compounds
• Perform administrative tasks to support the laboratory
• Provide the team with the latest information and literature on clinical, medicinal, synthesis, purification, properties, and characterization of new drugs

Minimum Required Qualifications:

Citizenship: Must be a US citizen

Clearance: NACI (ability to obtain) 

Education: B.S. in Chemistry or related field required. 

Years’ experience: At least five (5) years’ experience in the laboratory with at least three (3) or more years of synthetic organic chemistry

• A solid working knowledge of organic chemistry in theory and practice (laboratory) is required
• A strong understanding of chemical characterization techniques including chromatography, inert-handling techniques, distillation, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), infrared spectrometry (IR), mass spectrometry (MS), and elemental analysis
• Experience in purification and characterization of multiple-step syntheses on milligram to gram reaction scales, conventional and microwave reaction techniques, handling of air and moisture sensitive compounds, and manipulation of gaseous reagents
• Clear and effective written and oral communication skills
• Familiar with ChemDraw
• Experience with M.S. Office
• Experience with LIMS

Preferred Qualifications:

Education: M.S. or PhD preferred

Additional Information:

Location: Silver Spring, MD 

• Onsite (Local Candidates only) - Telework eligible 

Travel: None

***Contingent upon contract award***

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Odyssey Systems Consulting Group, is an innovative small business committed to providing world-class technical, management, and training support services to government and public sector clients. We focus on people, processes, and performance to deliver superior results. Since our inception in 1997, our commitment to mission success and customer satisfaction has been recognized with exponential growth and exceptional past performance ratings. We accept challenging assignments and drive projects from the planning stages, through implementation, and into operations and support.

Please note: Final compensation for this position will be determined by various factors such as the Federal Government contract labor categories and contract wage rates, relevant work experience, specific skills and competencies, geographic location, education, and certifications.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities