UNIV - Staff Scientist I - Department of Biochemistry

Job Description Summary

The laboratory of Dr. Dan Sprague has an opening for a motivated and productive synthetic and natural products chemist to fill the role of Staff Scientist I starting after July 1, 2026. This person will support efforts in chemistry and chemical biology throughout the laboratory.

Entity

Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC - Univ)

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type​

Research Grant

Cost Center

CC000954 COM BIOCHEM Operations CC

Pay Rate Type

Salary

Pay Grade

University-00

Pay Range

0.00 - 0.00 - 0.000

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Work Shift

Job Description

Job Purpose:

The Staff Scientist will be responsible for leading projects related to the synthesis of chemical tools, probes, and small molecule preclinical candidates. The Staff Scientist will manage aspects of daily chemistry laboratory function and regulatory compliance in conjunction with the PI, and alongside our lab manager. The Staff Scientist will design synthetic routes, carry-out the synthesis of these molecules, and fully characterize new molecules in a timely fashion. The Staff Scientist will be responsible, in conjunction with the PI, for advising and fostering collaborations with MUSC faculty regarding the development of small molecules. The candidate will keep meticulously organized notes and data. The candidate will also (in conjunction with the PI) assist in training new lab members in safety and chemistry techniques as the need arises. There will be ample opportunity for co-authorship on manuscripts and patents, and Dr. Sprague is committed to helping develop the capabilities of the Staff Scientist in molecular pharmacology and cell biology as needs arise or if interested.

Required: The candidate is required to have a minimum of a Ph.D. in Chemistry or related subjects with extensive experience and demonstrated productivity in multi-step syntheses as evidenced by multiple high-quality publications.

Preferred: Preferred experience working with complex secondary metabolites, including total synthesis of alkaloids, is a plus. Knowledge of advanced NMR techniques (e.g., 2D-NMR, qNMR, etc.) is beneficial.

Guidelines and Supervision:

Must be able to work efficiently and independently under the direction of the PI. Must be able to drive projects forward in a timely manner to meet collaborative demands across the institution.

Job Duties:

• 25% - Executes synthetic routes to provide small molecules to support efforts within the Sprague Lab and across the institution
• 20% - Fully characterizes small molecules
• 15% - Performs chemical biology experiments to determine target engagement of new small molecules
• 10% - Helps to train junior members of the lab in proper lab safety and techniques in chemistry
• 10% - Prepares exceptional, well-organized daily laboratory records of experimental procedures and results
• 10% - Participates in drafting manuscripts, grants, and patents as needed
• 5% - Presents research routinely to the lab at lab meetings, participates in lab meeting discussions, and leads collaborative efforts across the institution
• 5% - Upon request, performs other tasks requested to maintain a smooth operation of the laboratory.

Additional Job Description

Physical Requirements: (Note: The following descriptions are applicable to this section: Continuous - 6-8 hours per shift; Frequent - 2-6 hours per shift; Infrequent - 0-2 hours per shift) Ability to perform job functions in an upright position. (Continuous) Ability to perform job functions in a seated position. (Continuous) Ability to perform job functions while walking/mobile. (Frequent) Ability to climb stairs. (Infrequent) Ability to work indoors. (Continuous) Ability to work in all cold temperature extremes, i.e. spot coolers. (Frequent) Ability to bend at the waist. (Frequent) Ability to twist at the waist. (Frequent) Ability to perform 'pinching' operations. (Continuous) Ability to fully use both hands/arms. (Continuous) Ability to perform repetitive motions with hands/wrists/elbows and shoulders. (Continuous) Ability to fully use both legs. (Continuous) Ability to reach in all directions. (Continuous) Possess good finger dexterity. (Continuous) Ability to maintain tactile sensory functions. (Continuous) Ability to maintain good olfactory sensory function. (Continuous) Ability to lift and carry 30 lbs., unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to lift objects, up to 30 lbs., from floor level to height of 72 inches, unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to lower objects, up to 30 lbs., from height of 72 inches to floor level, unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to push/pull objects, up to 50 lbs., unassisted. (Infrequent) Ability to lift and carry objects up to 30 lbs. a distance of five (5) floors and to outlying buildings. (Frequent) Ability to maintain 20/40 vision, corrected. (Continuous) Ability to see and recognize objects close at hand. (Continuous) Ability to see and recognize objects at a distance. (Continuous) Ability to match or discriminate between colors. (Continuous) Ability to determine distance/relationship between objects; depth perception. (Continuous) Good peripheral vision capabilities. (Continuous) Ability to maintain hearing acuity, with correction. (Continuous) Ability to perform gross motor functions with frequent fine motor movements. (Continuous) Ability to be qualified physically (by medical personnel) for respirator use, initially and annually. Ability to work alone in isolated areas, such as darkrooms. (Frequent) Additional New Requirements: Ability to obtain and maintain a valid drivers license. Computer literacy. Ability to work rotating shifts as required. Ability to work overtime as required. Ability to learn and use new processes, tools and equipment as required.

If you like working with energetic enthusiastic individuals, you will enjoy your career with us!

The Medical University of South Carolina is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MUSC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, age, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, family or parental status, or any other status protected by state laws and/or federal regulations. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment based upon applicable qualifications, merit and business need.

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