Staff Scientist - Medicinal Chemistry

Summary

The Erwin Lab at Baylor College of Medicine seeks a Staff Scientist to design and synthesize novel ligands for treating repeat expansion diseases. This position will lead the synthesis of pyrrole-imidazole polyamides and conjugates. The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in multi‑step organic synthesis and a passion for translating chemical innovations into therapeutic leads.

• Design and synthesize small molecule ligands that can be conjugated with pyrrole‑imidazole polyamides for therapeutic applications.
• Execute multi‑step syntheses of pyrrole‑imidazole polyamides via manual solid‑phase synthesis using Fmoc‑ and Boc‑protected amino acids.
• Conjugate polyamides to small molecules using standard coupling chemistry with various linker designs.
• Purify compounds by reverse‑phase HPLC and characterize by NMR and MALDI‑TOF mass spectrometry.
• Maintain detailed laboratory notebooks and present findings at lab meetings.
• Optimize linker chemistries and conjugation strategies to enhance compound stability and cellular uptake.
• Synthesize fluorescently‑labelled analogs for uptake studies.
• Troubleshoot and optimize synthetic routes for challenging targets.
• Maintain chemical inventory and ensure laboratory safety compliance.
• May supervise graduate students and undergraduate researchers on synthesis projects at the direction of the PI.
• Perform other job related duties as assigned.

• Doctoral Degree. Experience may not be substituted in lieu of degree.
• Three years of post‑doctoral research experience.

• Familiarity with HPLC purification, NMR, and mass spectrometry characterization required.

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, or related field with demonstrated expertise in multi‑step organic synthesis.
• Experience with solid‑phase peptide synthesis, heterocyclic chemistry, and/or natural product synthesis preferred.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and ability to work independently.

Baylor College of Medicine is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Equal Access Employer.