Research Assistant, Senior (Warren Center)

The position calls for a motivated analytical chemist to join the Analytical Chemistry group within the WCNDD. The Analytical team is responsible for conducting high-throughput assays to determine physiochemical properties of small molecules. This includes the determination of kinetic solubility values with a variety of buffers, thermodynamic solubility values with simulated gastric and intestinal fluids, lipophilicity, specific and optical rotation, and aid in the interpretation of one-dimensional and two-dimensional NMR experiments. This position is an integral contributor to support the Center’s goal of developing compounds with promising physiochemical properties, specifically for central nervous system disorders. Successful candidates will interface with members among all areas of the WCNDD, including those in molecular pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, and drug metabolism.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Analytical Chemistry Research Assistant Senior we seek is a person with these qualifications. 

• Perform physiochemical experiments independently or under moderate supervision.
• Conduct high-throughput shake-flask kinetic solubility assays using UHPLC/MS to generate calibration curves and determine kinetic solubility values for small molecule drugs. 
• Conduct fasted-state thermodynamic solubility assays in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids using UHPLC/MS to generate calibration curves and determine FaSSIF and FaSSGF solubility values for small molecule drugs.
• Conduct extrapolated LogD7.4 analyses via UPLC and perform the mathematical extrapolations.
• Obtain specific rotation and optical rotation values on purified chiral compounds.
• Aid medicinal chemistry staff with 1D and 2D NMR interpretation when assistance with full characterization is needed.
• Operate multiple forms of liquid handling equipment and volumetric glassware.
• Maintain mobile phase stocks for the laboratory’s reverse phase instruments and the various buffers for physiochemical experiments.
• Write up analytical assay protocols applicable to assigned tasks and help update protocols as new projects and new instrumentation become available.
• Maintains accurate databases, experimental notebooks of results and communicates those results to the other members of the WCNDD. [DE1] 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, excellent data analysis capabilities, and proficiency with curve fitting and graphing programs are essential.
• Contribute to the effective operation of the lab by ordering supplies, maintaining equipment, and ensuring compliance with VEHS chemical safety requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 4 plus years of relevant working experience or master’s degree (MS) with 2 years of relevant work experience.
• Degree in chemistry or biochemistry is necessary.
• Good documentation practices with excellent organization and attention to detail
• Self-motivated team player with the ability to thrive in a fast paced, dynamic, multi-disciplinary, matrixed environment.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are.  We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education. 

Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law. 

Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.