Assistant Director, Baylor Synthesis & Drug-Lead Discovery Laboratory & Associate Research Professor

Baylor University • Waco, TX

5d

About The Position

Baylor University is seeking the Assistant Director, Baylor Synthesis & Drug-Lead Discovery Laboratory & Associate Research Professor. The assistant director leads a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to advancing therapeutic discovery through innovative synthetic chemistry and drug development. This role manages all aspects of the laboratory's operations including synthetic chemistry, oversight of post-doctoral researchers, undergraduate mentoring, and grant writing while driving forward groundbreaking research in early stage drug-lead discovery. A doctoral degree and ten years of relevant work experience are required. All applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Requirements

• A doctoral degree and ten years of relevant work experience are required.
• All applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.
• Ability to comply with university policies
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance

Responsibilities

• Provide scientific leadership and strategic vision for the laboratory's research programs
• Develop and implements long-term goals aligned with institutional priorities and emerging therapeutic needs
• Foster collaborations with faculty, investigators, and external partners
• Represent the laboratory at institutional, national, and international scientific forums
• Direct synthetic chemistry programs focused on lead compound identification and optimization
• Oversee structure-activity relationship studies and organic chemistry campaigns
• Guide transition of promising compounds
• Maintain expertise in current synthetic methodologies and drug-discovery technologies
• Publish high-impact research in peer-reviewed journals and present at scientific conferences
• Supervise laboratory personnel including research scientists, postdoctoral fellows, graduate & undergraduate students, and technical staff
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations, institutional policies, and regulatory requirements
• Manage laboratory resources, equipment maintenance, and facility operations
• Oversee budget planning and resource allocation
• Implements quality control measures and standard operating procedures
• Conduct laboratory experiments including methods development, natural product derivatization, isolation and structure elucidation/characterization of novel organic compounds, HPLC purifications and biological probe synthesis
• Build strategic partnerships with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies
• Facilitate technology transfer and commercialization opportunities
• Coordinate with clinical departments to identify therapeutic targets and validate discoveries
• Engage with funding agencies and participate in grant writing to private foundations and government agencies
• Mentor junior faculty, postdoctoral researchers, graduate and undergraduate students
• Contribute to educational programs in organic chemistry and drug discovery
• Participate in institutional committees and academic governance
• Participate in hiring of personnel (post-doctoral researchers and undergraduates) in the Baylor Synthesis and Drug-Lead Discovery Laboratory, the Baylor MiniPharma Undergraduate Program and the Romo Group
• Perform all other duties as assigned to support Baylor’s mission
• Ability to comply with university policies
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance

Benefits

• As part of the Baylor family, eligible employees receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, generous time off, tuition remission, and outstanding automatic retirement contributions.
• Baylor has a comprehensive benefits plan that supports you and your family’s wellbeing and allows you to be a part of the life of a vibrant and active college campus.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees