Researcher/Scientist III

The Xiong Lab in the Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology at The University of Arizona is seeking a motivated Research Scientist. Successful applicants will have a Ph.D. in synthetic or medicinal chemistry. The candidate will have the opportunity to work in a stimulating, multidisciplinary environment employing medicinal chemistry, structural biology, computational chemistry, and molecular cell biology to develop chemical probes and drug candidates for biomedical research.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

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• Chemical Synthesis: Execute multi-step synthesis of complex molecules, including the purification and characterization of all targeted compounds.
• Rational Drug Design & Modeling: Utilize structure-based analog design and computational tools to develop potent chemical probes and drug candidates.
• Data Management & Publication: Maintain meticulous laboratory notebooks, perform rigorous data analysis, and lead the preparation of manuscripts for high-impact journals.
• Lab Leadership & Mentorship: Oversee daily laboratory management and provide technical guidance and mentorship to graduate students in organic chemistry.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Demonstrated ability to spearhead self-directed research projects while collaborating effectively within a guided, team-oriented environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a proven track record of distilling complex data into clear reports and presentations.
• Rapidly master and apply advanced concepts across the drug discovery pipeline, specifically in medicinal chemistry and chemical biology.
• Practical knowledge of structural biology and computational chemistry tools to drive lead optimization and probe development.
• Proficiency in drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics (DMPK) to evaluate and advance drug candidates.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.

• PhD in Organic Chemistry or Medicinal Chemistry.