Research Scientist, Natural Products & Organic Synthesis, NCNPR

University of Mississippi • University, MS

2d

About The Position

The University of Mississippi is seeking a Research Scientist in Chemistry to conduct advanced research in natural products and organic synthesis. The role focuses on total synthesis of natural products for use as reference standards or for downstream biological evaluation; elucidating the absolute stereochemistry of unresolved natural products; and conducting structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies to improve the agrochemical or pharmacological properties of natural products and their derivatives. The scientist will communicate research through peer-reviewed publications, contribute to patent applications, and collaborate across disciplines in drug discovery and agrochemical development.

The position requires a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacognosy, or a closely related discipline, along with extensive research expertise in isolating, characterizing, and synthesizing natural and synthetic compounds, including postdoctoral experience. The role calls for hands-on skill in multistep total synthesis, air- and moisture-sensitive chemistry, chromatography, mass spectrometry, and 1D/2D NMR interpretation. The University conducts background investigations for applicants considered for employment.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacognosy, or a closely related discipline; Chemistry Ph.D. is required.
• Extensive research expertise in isolating, characterizing, and synthesizing natural and synthetic compounds, including postdoctoral experience.
• Demonstrated hands-on proficiency designing and executing multistep total syntheses.
• Experience handling air- and moisture-sensitive reagents.
• Proficiency with advanced chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques, including GC-MS and LC-MS.
• Ability to interpret 1D and 2D NMR data.
• Experience with purification methods such as Biotage flash chromatography and column chromatography.
• Proficiency with cheminformatics and literature retrieval systems such as ChemDraw, SciFinder, and Reaxys.

Responsibilities

• Execute complex synthetic routes and total syntheses to produce structurally diverse natural products for reference standards or downstream biological evaluation.
• Use advanced spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques, including 1D and 2D NMR, to determine and resolve the absolute stereochemistry of complex natural products.
• Design, synthesize, and evaluate natural-product derivatives to improve agrochemical or therapeutic profiles.
• Author peer-reviewed scientific publications and contribute to patent applications.
• Collaborate across disciplines to advance drug discovery and agrochemical development.
• Isolate, characterize, and synthesize natural and synthetic compounds.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree