This position is being posted on an expedited timeline due
to an immediate staffing need within the Process Development team.
The funding for this position is guaranteed through February 2027,
with a high likelihood of extension. 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)
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.
Given the critical project timelines and the accelerated hiring
process, applicants must be authorized to work in the United States
without the need for current or future visa or permanent residence
sponsorship. Sponsorship is not available for this position.
Preferred Qualifications
- 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
Roles and Reporting Structure
This is an individual contributor role and reports to the Associate
Director, Process Development. As a key member of the PD team, the
selected individual will embody everyday leadership, with an
expectation to lead through actions, discussions, decisions, and
interactions. As a role model within the organization, you will
influence others by consistently demonstrating the values and
behaviors that drive our mission forward.
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.
Salary Details
Starting at $60,000 commensurate with experience and aligned with
the institute’s internal equity structure.
Since M4ALL's inception in 2017, we have received significant
financial support from a diverse portfolio of major donors. This
position is grant-funded, with continued employment contingent upon
ongoing funding.
Priority consideration will be given to applicants who
apply by September 2, 2026. 
