Chemistry Support Specialist I

COMPANY:

At BioCryst, we share a deep commitment to improving the lives of people living with complement-mediated and other rare diseases. For over three decades we've been guided by our passion for not settling for "ordinary" in our quest to develop novel medicines. We leverage our expertise in structure-guided drug design to develop first-in-class or best-in-class oral small-molecule and protein therapeutics, led by the efforts of our team of expert scientists in our Discovery Center of Excellence in Birmingham, Alabama. Our global headquarters is in Durham, North Carolina, our European headquarters is in Dublin, Ireland and our employees span the globe across sites in multiple countries. We are proud of our culture of engagement and accountability that rewards people for innovative thinking and achievement of key objectives. For more information, please visit our website at www.biocryst.com or follow uson LinkedIn and Instagram.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Chemistry Support Scientist I within a chemistry group is responsible for providing technical assistance with laboratory operations primarily assisting with setting up reactions, synthesizing compounds assigned as well as purify compounds using various purification techniques, preparing samples, running analytical tests using various techniques like chromatography or spectroscopy, developing methods for chiral separations, collecting data, performing quality checks, and ensuring compliance with standard operating procedures (SOPs) to support the overall research and development activities of the chemistry team. S/he must document experiments and all relevant data into an electronic notebook to assist in preparation of technical reports and will also assist with research projects.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

* Assist chemists with experimental set-up and synthesize compounds as assigned, purify compounds using various purification techniques. Characterize purified compounds by interpreting spectral data.
* Sample Preparation: Accurately prepare samples for analysis by weighing, diluting, and mixing chemicals according to established protocols.
* Instrument Operation: Operate various analytical instruments like HPLC, NMR, Polarimeter, MS, LCMS, UV-Vis spectrophotometers, and other relevant equipment. Identify and report any equipment malfunctions for timely repair.
* Data Collection and Analysis: Collect and record accurate data from analytical instruments, perform basic data analysis, and generate reports summarizing findings.
* Quality Assurance: Perform quality control checks on samples, instruments, and validation to ensure data accuracy.
* Method Development: Assist in the development and optimization of new analytical methods for specific racemic compounds or matrices and perform chiral separation using HPLC on analytical and preparative scale.
* Documentation: Accurately document all experimental procedures, data, and observations in laboratory notebooks and electronic systems using Signals electronic notebook
* Safety and Compliance: Adhere to all laboratory safety protocols including proper handling of hazardous materials. Maintain accurate chemical inventory records. Report any safety concerns to the supervisor immediately.
* Laboratory Maintenance: Maintain cleanliness and organization within the laboratory, ensuring proper chemical storage and waste disposal procedures.
* Maintain chemical storage inventory. Storage of chemicals on the shelves alphabetically. Data entry of new chemicals received to be recorded in the signals compound database alphabetically.
* Enter newly synthesized compounds into signals materials library once compound is submitted with all relevant data produced for that compound; submission of all data for review and registration of the compound submitted; additional missing analytical data are generated for new compounds as needed.
* Dispense BioCryst compounds internally and externally (worldwide) in response to requests from various departments; document amounts and study purpose of compounds dispensed in signals materials library database.
* Communicate on a day-to-day basis with immediate supervisor about the job to be performed and provide any relevant updates/information.
* All other duties as assigned.

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS:

* Bachelor's degree in chemistry or a related field
* Strong understanding of analytical chemistry principles and techniques (chromatography, spectroscopy, etc.)
* Proficiency in laboratory equipment operation and maintenance
* Excellent mindfulness and ability to work independently and as part of a team.
* Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and laboratory software
* Experience in entering data using Signals software as well as ChemDraw.
* Ability to follow established protocols and maintain accurate documentation.
* Experience in registration and dispensing of compounds in signals materials library database.
* Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks accordingly.
* Ability to lead in a support function to the assigned project.
* Self-motivated worker able to meet timelines provided by supervisor.
* Good written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
* Must be able to lift 10 to 15 lbs. (tanks, solutions, etc.)

The statements in this position description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. The manager may assign additional responsibilities and assignments from time to time.

BioCryst is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities without regard to age, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, Veterans status, disability, and/or other protected class characteristics. Additionally, BioCryst is committed to achieving its business objectives in compliance with all federal, state, and local law.