Synthetic Chemist

Culmen International is hiring a Synthetic Chemist to provide support for the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research Experimental Therapeutics Program in Silver Springs, Maryland.

Synthesize compounds of interest on a milligram to gram scale to support lead optimization programs and achieve required milestones
• Design chemical synthesis routes for compounds that target specific therapeutic goals
• Purify organic compounds using techniques such as chromatography, extraction, distillation, crystallization, and trituration
• Analyze and characterize organic compounds using techniques like nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LCMS)
• Utilize SciFinder and other scientific tools to identify pertinent scientific literature that supports reaction planning and execution.
• Interpret and clearly summarize experimental details in reports and presentations to communicate progress and results for internal and external purposes
• Assist in the preparation of patent documents and peer reviewed scientific publications, as requested by the Senior Medicinal Chemist or the Government
• Register and submit compounds to the LIMS.
• Meet on a weekly basis with key administrative and technical staff to receive performance tasks, report progress, and troubleshoot technical issues
• Produce effective reports and presentations to communicate experimental progress and results for internal and external purposes
• Maintain a safe, well-stocked, and clean laboratory along with complementary inventory following WRAIR technical and safety protocols
• Prepare purchase orders as needed to support the synthesis of new chemical entities and to maintain laboratory inventory.
• Support any needed and/or requested laboratory activity, to include general upkeep, chemical storage and movement, and equipment/instrument usage and maintenance, as requested by the Senior Medicinal Chemist or the Government
• Report all maintenance issues of both the laboratory and equipment to the proper WRAIR facilities or medical maintenance personnel according to WRAIR protocols
• Serve as point of contact for crucial instrumentation in the department, as requested by
• the Government
• Coordinate hazardous waste pickup and disposal for the laboratories, as requested by the Government.
• Coordinate order receipt and tracking for the laboratories, as requested by the Government
• Ensure the appropriate PPE is used, be aware of and adhere to safety and occupational health regulations and procedures established by WRAIR staff. Attend all relevant training, including safety training, and report any safety procedure violations to the facility Safety Officer

• US Citizenship
• Must be able to obtain a favorable NACI T1 security investigation
• Ph.D. in organic chemistry, or related discipline PLUS 2+ years related work experience in a lab setting
• Chiral chromatography experience

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and ChemDraw

• Familiarity with SAR vision, Vortex, or other appropriate chemical mapping/analysis software programs

• Extensive experience performing HPLC is highly desirable