Chemistry Scientist: Molecular Imaging Tracer Development

Internal Applicants

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• Job Category:
  Academic Staff
• Employment Type:
  
  Terminal (Fixed Term)
• Job Profile:
  Scientist II

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. The successful candidate will conduct lead discovery and optimization based on medicinal chemistry techniques to identify potent ligands for pathological proteins, radiolabel the leads for further characterization, and work in a highly collegial and collaborative academic environment.

• Independently design, synthesize, purify, and characterize focused compound libraries to support PET tracer discovery and medicinal chemistry optimization.
• Serve 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.
• Identify research problems and develop complex research methodologies and procedures.
• May supervise the day-to-day activities of a research unit as needed.
• Write or assist in developing grant applications and proposals to secure research funding.
• Collaborate closely with biological assay, imaging, radiochemistry, and project team colleagues to interpret data, prioritize compounds, and support effective lead optimization.
• Attend and assist with the facilitation of scholarly events and presentations in support of continued professional development and the dissemination of research information.
• Conduct literature reviews, prepare reports and materials, and disseminate information to appropriate entities.
• Perform compound scale-up and prepare high-quality research materials to enable in vitro assays, radiolabeling studies, pharmacokinetic evaluation, and other downstream experiments.
• Advance hit and lead compounds through iterative structure‑activity relationship studies, using chemical, physicochemical, and biological assay data to guide compound design.
• Monitor program budget and approve unit expenditures.
• Collect and analyze complex research data, conduct experiments and interviews, and document results according to established policies and procedures under general supervision.

• 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 organic chemistry, including:
  • Organic synthesis of heterocyclic compounds
  • Synthesis of small analogue libraries
  • Lead optimization based on common medicinal chemistry practices
  • Scale up of lead compounds to produce multi‑gram quantities
  • Extensive experience with relevant laboratory analytical techniques such as 1H/13C‑NMR, HPLC, GC, TLC, and MS.

Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, or closely related discipline, is required.

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 campus benefits and SMPH Faculty /Academic Staff Benefits Flyer 2026.

University sponsorship is not available for this position, including transfers of sponsorship and TN visas. The selected applicant will be responsible for ensuring their continuous eligibility to work in the United States (i.e., a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of an employer sponsorship) on or before…