SCIENTIFIC DIRECTOR-AUTOMATED SYNTHESIS FACILITY

ABOUT US:
Scripps Research is ranked the most influential institution in the world for its impact on innovation. We expand basic knowledge in the biosciences, and use these fundamental advancements to develop profound innovations that improve wellbeing. Our educational and training programs mold talented and committed students and postdocs into leading edge scientists.  Scientists in the institute’s five academic research departments work hand-in-hand with researchers of the Scripps Research Translational Institute and Calibr to merge foundational studies in biology, chemistry and computer science with translational science to produce pioneering drugs and advances in digital and precision medicine. Together, we cultivate new scientific leaders and expand the frontiers of knowledge to deliver medical breakthroughs to better human health around the globe. If you have a passion for making a difference, this could be your opportunity to join our transformative team. 

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Scientific Director of the Automated Synthesis Facility will manage and participate in the daily operation of a core facility that provides support for organic synthesis. In addition to supporting traditional areas of small molecule synthesis—including catalysis, kinetics studies, medicinal chemistry, and chemical biology—the ASF also supports the synthesis, semi-synthesis, and biosynthesis of peptides, proteins, oligonucleotides, and conjugates thereof. Areas of support include but are not limited to reaction setup and monitoring, analysis (achiral and chiral), and purification (achiral and chiral).

The Scientific Director will provide technical expertise in the form of providing research services, research consultation, and training. Additionally, the Scientific Director will lead an existing team of research assistants who assist with providing research services. The Scientific Director will be responsible for maintaining and expanding the ASF’s research support capabilities, publicizing its capabilities, and developing its customer base (internally and externally).

RESPONSIBILITES & DUTIES:

Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Core Facility including designing procedures and workflow processes, developing and implementing a budget, tracking service usage for invoicing purposes, managing the activities of Core Facility staff.
Provide scientific consultation to users to assess their experimental needs.
Design and implement both routine and custom experiments.
Hire, train and supervise the Core Facility staff and Research Assistants.
Maintain and keep department website up to date.
Ensure that all instruments are maintained to the highest working standards, including regular hardware/software maintenance and repairs.
Negotiate instrument acquisitions and service contract renewals.
Engage in collaborative research and publish original work in peer-reviewed journals.
Write instrumentation grant proposals and/or collaborative research grant proposals where appropriate.
Attend scientific conferences.
REQUIREMENTS:

A PhD in Chemistry is required.
3+ years of organic synthesis experience.
1+ year of experience maintaining an HPLC (ideally an LCMS and/or ultra-high-pressure LC).
Experience in planning, operational forecasting, and grant writing.
Experience with at least two of the following techniques:
High-throughput reaction optimization
Parallel synthesis
Reaction kinetics studies
Macromolecular synthesis, semi-synthesis, or biosynthesis
Experience with at least two of the following techniques:
Quantitative HPLC or LCMS analysis of organic reactions
Chiral chromatography (preferably by SFC or SFC-MS)
Mass-directed prep LC purification
Characterization of biologically relevant macromolecules, ideally including by mass spec
Experience with robotic systems (especially Symyx/Freeslate/Unchained Labs) and/or custom processing method development for HPLC or LCMS is highly desirable.
Demonstrated ability to teach, train, and manage others.
Ability to effectively organize own time and that of others to accommodate user needs and to be responsive to the user base in both a timely and equitable manner.
Ability to communicate with a diverse array of people from a wide variety of cultural and educational backgrounds, individually or in groups.
Excellent experimental design and data analysis skills.
Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills. 
Must possess a high degree of self-reliance, flexibility, and initiative. 
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

With or without reasonable accommodation, employees in this position must be able to lift and handle equipment or materials up to 20 pounds; as well as perform repetitive motions with arms, wrists and hands. This position may also include utilizing personal protective equipment (PPE) and working in an environment that contains biohazardous materials. May also include stationary position for an extended period of time, traverse campus/facility as needed, operate machinery such as computer, phone, copy machine, exposure to cold or hot temperatures.

COMPENSATION:  The expected hiring range for this position is $105,810.00 to $137,550.00 per year commensurate with experience. Consideration will be given to experience that exceeds the listed requirements.

The above statements describe the level of work performed and expected in general terms. The statements are not intended to list all the responsibilities, duties and/or skills required of employees so classified, and the content herein is subject to change due to the business needs of Scripps Research, with or without notice. Furthermore, nothing in this job description shall be interpreted to be in conflict with or to eliminate or modify in any way the employment-at-will status of Scripps Research staff.

EEO STATEMENT:

The Scripps Research Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We promote diversity of thought, culture and background in the fields of science. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic or status. Underrepresented individuals are encouraged to apply.

 COVID-19 UPDATE: 

The safety and well-being of our candidates, our people and their families continues to be a top priority. Until restrictions change, interviews will be conducted virtually.