Chemistry Scientist: Molecular Imaging Tracer Development

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. The 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.
• Possibility to be extended or converted to an ongoing appointment based on need and/or funding.
• Applicants will be considered for Scientist I or II titles; title is determined by experience and qualifications.

• 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.

• 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, MS, etc.

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.

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

Rachael Wilson, rewilson3

The University of Wisconsin‑Madison is an Equal Opportunity Employer
. Qualified applicants…