Medicinal Chemistry Scientist IV at Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research

Medicinal Chemistry Scientist IV

Job ID: req3954
Employee Type: exempt full-time
Division: Clinical Research Program
Facility: Generic Location
Location: 9800 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD 20850 USA

The Frederick National Laboratory is a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) sponsored by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and operated by Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc.  The lab addresses some of the most urgent and intractable problems in the biomedical sciences in cancer and AIDS, drug development and first-in-human clinical trials, applications of nanotechnology in medicine, and rapid response to emerging threats of infectious diseases.

Accountability, Compassion, Collaboration, Dedication, Integrity and Versatility; it's the FNL way.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Within Leidos Biomedical Research Inc., the Clinical Research Directorate (CRD) provides project and operational management of initiatives in support of the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS). NCATS supported efforts include management of the Therapeutics Development Branch (TDB) drug development programs such as gene therapies and antiviral therapeutic candidates. NCATS stimulates drug discovery and development collaboration between NIH, Leidos, academic scientists, nonprofit organizations, and pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. 

KEY ROLES/RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Provides support and leadership for the discovery of direct acting antivirals suitable for preclinical evaluation and development as therapeutic candidates with NCATS APP program.
• Supports the Antiviral Program for Pandemics (APP) and leads program initiatives from high throughput screening of small molecule compound libraries, to hit to lead and lead optimization, including in vivo efficacy studies, as part of a multidisciplinary drug discovery and development team.
• Works closely with DDD program leadership to implement research and development practices, including developing overarching project plans with scope and timelines and setting expectations for operational performance.
• Leads project teams comprising NCATS, NIAID, Leidos, and academic and industry collaborators.
• Leads the development of research agreements, including complex, multiparty agreements.
• Facilitates the design and evaluation of new bioactive compounds by interacting with team members including chemists, biologists, and pharmacologists, informaticians, and drug metabolism and pharmacokinetic (DMPK) specialists regarding chemical, biochemical, pharmacological and DMPK topics.
• Leads and coordinates the development of publication strategies by the project teams.
• Responsible for weekly program updates and presentations to the NCATS Scientific Director.
• Leverages previous experience in drug discovery.
• Designs, implements, executes assigned projects with minimal supervision.
• Analyzes data and presents findings at meetings.
• Anticipates obstacles and implements solutions.
• Performs review of project-specific documents.
• Ensures appropriate communication strategies and plans are in place to facilitate and maintain communication among scientific, regulatory, safety, monitoring, laboratory, and other project team members.
• Position may travel sparingly domestically and internationally for annual scientific conferences.

 BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

To be considered for this position, you must minimally meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below:

• Possession of a PhD degree in a field related to biomedical research from an accredited college or university according to the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA. Foreign degrees must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency.
• In addition to educational requirements, a minimum of eight (8) years of progressively responsible relevant experience.
• Experience, expertise, and training relevant to the conduct of the design, synthesis, purification, and characterization of bioactive compounds and the biochemical, pharmacological and DMPK evaluation of new bioactive compounds.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills including strong report writing and presentation skills.
• Strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills.
• Expertise in analysis, planning, and problem solving.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively, both independently and as a team member, with consistent ability to take initiative and make an active contribution to the team's performance.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Windows® and Microsoft® Office Suite including Word®, Excel®, Project®, and Outlook®.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates with these desired skills will be given preferential consideration:

• Familiarity with Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR).
• Experience conducting federally funded research studies and development projects.

Commitment to Diversity
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.

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