Chemistry Scientist: Molecular Imaging Tracer Development

Current Employees:
If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process.

Job Category:

Academic Staff

Employment Type:

Terminal (Fixed Term)

Job Profile:

Scientist II

Job Summary:

The Department of Medicine offers a unique opportunity for a Scientist I or II to support research aimed at developing novel molecular imaging tracers for neuroscience applications. These imaging radiotracers will facilitate the diagnosis of brain diseases based on their molecular pathology and hence the development of therapeutics. This successful candidate will conduct lead discovery and optimization based on medicinal chemistry techniques to identify potent ligands for pathological proteins.

Leads will be radio labeled for further characterization. We seek applicants with a track record of outstanding research accomplishments in organic and medicinal chemistry, and an ability to work in a highly collegial and collaborative academic environment.

* This position requires work to be completed onsite, at a designated campus work location.

* Terminal, 24 month appointment

* This position has the possibility to be extended or converted to an ongoing appointment based on need and/or funding.

* Applicants for this position will be considered for the following titles [Scientist I;
Scientist II]. The title is determined by the experience and qualifications of the finalist.

Key

Job Responsibilities:

* Independently designs, synthesizes, purifies, and characterizes focused compound libraries to support PET tracer discovery and medicinal chemistry optimization.

* Serves as a unit subject matter expert and liaison to internal and external stakeholders providing advanced level information and representing the interests of a specialized research area

* Identifies research problems and develops complex research methodologies and procedures

* May supervise the day-to-day activities of a research unit as needed

* Writes or assists in developing grant applications and proposals to secure research funding

* Collaborates closely with biological assay, imaging, radiochemistry, and project team colleagues to interpret data, prioritize compounds, and support effective lead optimization.

* Attends and assists with the facilitation of scholarly events and presentations in support of continued professional development and the dissemination of research information

* Conducts literature reviews, prepares reports and materials, and disseminates information to appropriate entities

* Performs compound scale-up and prepares high-quality research materials to enable in vitro assays, radiolabeling studies, pharmacokinetic evaluation, and other downstream experiments.

* Advances hit and lead compounds through iterative structure-activity relationship studies, using chemical, physicochemical, and biological assay data to guide compound design.

* Monitors program budget and approves unit expenditures

* Collects and analyzes complex research data, conducts experiments and interviews, and documents results according to established policies and procedures under general supervision

Department:

School of Medicine and Public Health, Department of Medicine, Division of Geriatrics and Gerontology, ADRC WRAP Biospecimen Lab

Fueled by innovation yet grounded in kindness, the Department of Medicine empowers leaders to transform medicine and improve lives everywhere. We are committed to professional fulfillment and health equity. We strive to ensure that everyone in our department understands the importance of social impact and belonging-and is empowered to champion it in all they do. Join us and be a part of supporting our nationally recognized faculty, innovative medical education programs and exceptional clinical care as we work towards our vision of healthy people and healthy communities!

At the Division of Geriatrics and Gerontology, we help older adults live their healthiest lives. We lead comprehensive education, research and clinical programs-in partnership with our world-class university, remarkable health system and regional Veterans hospital. We are innovative, collaborative and compassionate. We strive for excellence and health equity. And we make an impact in Wisconsin and beyond.

Compensation:

The expected salary range for this position is $70,000 up to $100,000 for highly experienced candidates and actual pay within this range will depend on experience and qualifications.

Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays, and sick leave; competitive insurances and savings accounts; retirement benefits. For more information, refer to the campus benefits webpage and the SMPH Faculty /Academic Staff Benefits Flyer 2026

Preferred Qualifications:

* Minimum of 2 years postdoctoral experience in organic or medicinal chemistry.

* Demonstrated track record in small-molecule protein ligand development, including assay-guided SAR and lead advancement.

* Broad knowledge base in…