"Postdoctoral Research Associate, Process Development - Medicines for All"

Job Summary

Medicines for All (M4ALL), a part of Virginia Commonwealth University, is an entrepreneurial, impact-oriented institute founded with a commitment to improving access to medications across the globe by driving down production costs. We do this, in part, by developing low-cost, high-quality routes for the manufacturing of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).

We are seeking mission-driven professionals to join our team in tackling critical global health challenges in the position of Postdoctoral Research Associate, Process Development! M4ALL strives to be a global center of excellence to drive increased access to pharmaceuticals and through this role, you will support the development and management of current and planned programs at the intersection of chemistry, pharmaceuticals manufacturing, and medicine value chain.

This role encompasses a diverse range of responsibilities, including research and development, communications, and both project and relationship management. As a Postdoctoral Research Associate, Process Development, you will contribute to the organization’s scientific excellence by delivering high-impact research in synthetic organic chemistry with minimal supervision. Your work will focus on the design and development of multistep synthetic routes for both approved and investigational active pharmaceutical ingredients. Emphasis will be placed on process research (route scouting), development (optimization, demonstrative scale-up), and tech transfer.

Process Innovation

• Conduct and thoroughly document literature reviews for target chemical transformations, intermediates, and APIs.
• Maintain strong technical literacy. Develop hypothesis-driven experimental plans under team leader’s guidance. In process research, efficiently screen many valid reaction conditions and identify trends for improved outcomes. In process development, perform careful, data-rich experiments that create a deep knowledge of the chemical system. Translate previous results into new experiments that will lead to lower costs and/or process improvements.
• Execute chemical reactions on screening (milligram to gram) and preparative (decagram to kilogram) scales in the context of process research (route scouting) and development (optimization).
• Deliver results in a high-pace and time-sensitive environment.
• Demonstrate robust data interpretation. Incorporate data-driven insights into reports and designs for chemical processes.
• Maintain a detailed, accurate, and up-to-date electronic lab notebook (ELN) to ensure robust knowledge management.
• Writing in publication quality to help prepare manuscripts for publication in various professional journals.

Project Management

• Demonstrate timely and proficient use of M4ALL's project management technology platforms to facilitate internal and external communications.
• Adhere to project timeline and deliverable commitments. Escalate risks and deviations to ensure client transparency.
• Taking ownership of assigned tasks and follows through good attention to detail and thorough laboratory documentation skills.

Strategy Development & Execution

• Challenge the status quo by continuously reviewing personal work processes and questioning traditional or established processes, with the aim of constantly improving M4ALL operations and customer / collaborator experience.

Interdepartmental and External Communications

• Prepare clear, accurate, and concise written project updates and reports (pptx, docx), representing your contributions. Contribute well-written, high-quality scientific content for publication – e.g., peer-reviewed articles, trade journal articles, white papers, M4ALL social media. (Technical Writing)
• Orally present research updates and reports on findings in-person or virtually for internal consumption. Develop and deliver high quality oral presentations (posters, group meetings) to internal scientific and non-scientific audiences. (Verbal / Oral Communications)
• Recognize signs of interpersonal or project misalignment. Attempt to resolve misunderstandings with support of line manager, if needed. Seek clarity on responsibilities and expectations to minimize misalignments or misunderstandings. (Conflict Resolution)
• Contribute to variety of scientific materials such as paper studies, publications, manuscripts (as above) and other documents supporting ongoing and future work in the labs (e.g., SOPs, Work Instructions, Hazard Assessments, etc.).

Team & Infrastructure Development

• Develop a thorough understanding of M4ALL tech (IT) and infrastructure for critical unit operations, how to use it. (Leverage and Grow Technology Prowess)

Mindset

• Demonstrate resource stewardship, accountability, commitment to quality work, appreciation of your work's criticality to the M4ALL mission (Ownership)
• Show willingness to compromise on pathways to a common goal, putting clients' priorities first (Flexibility)
• Show willingness to change course in the face of changing business needs and opportunities. Be resilient in face of change. (Adaptability)
• Listen to stakeholders (internal and external) and address needs and concerns. Deliver on service commitments: Maintain supportive relationships with stakeholders. (Service Excellence)

Qualifications

Required Education & Technical Abilities

• PhD in organic, organometallic chemistry.
• Ability to publish research findings in high impact scientific journals. Preference will be given to candidates who demonstrate a proven track record of publications.
• Strong understanding of and experience with all analytical methods relevant to synthetic organic chemistry (NMR, HPLC, MS, IR, UV, etc).
• Ability to communicate in written and presented formats technical information in a compelling way.

Required Interpersonal Skills & Individual Aptitude

• Full professional proficiency of the English language (speaking, reading, and writing) with the ability to communicate technical concepts to audiences of varying backgrounds. This includes the ability to use English fluently and accurately as well as write in all styles and forms on all levels pertinent to the professional needs.
• Comfort and confidence to give presentations in a clear and concise way that is understandable by the audience and flows smoothly from beginning to end.
• Accountability and collaborative mindset to achieve organizational success for high quality, timely and cost-effective results within specified deadlines.
• Innovative and creative problem solving to develop solutions/alternatives, understanding of the feasibility and the value in taking responsible risks.
• Open-mindedness and commitment to treating others with civility, professionalism and respect in a multicultural work environment.
• Energy and passion to thrive in a start-up environment and to deliver on the organization’s goals, mission and values balancing the interests of one's own with those of the broader organization.
• Commitment to aligning and adherence to M4ALL’s core values and purpose.

Desired qualifications that add value, although not required:

• Experience with advanced concepts including high throughput experimentation, Design of Experiments, kinetic, thermodynamic and mechanistic investigation, and catalysis.
• Experience working with manufacturers to scale up lab-based results.
• Previous research and development experience with active pharmaceutical ingredients.
• Experience with high throughput experimentation and quantitation of reaction mixtures.

Work Environment

This position requires working in a chemical laboratory environment where exposure to chemical odors and reagents is common. The role involves standing for extended periods, moving around the lab, and lifting or carrying laboratory equipment, supplies, and materials as needed. Candidates should be comfortable performing hands-on laboratory work in a dynamic, fast-paced setting while adhering to all safety protocols.

This role is located at the VA Bio+Tech Park in Richmond, Virginia, and candidates must be able to work onsite as a requirement of the position.