UNIV - Staff Scientist I - Department of Biochemistry

Medical University of South Carolina•Charleston, SC

About The Position

The laboratory of Dr. Dan Sprague has an opening for a collegial, motivated, and productive organic chemist to complement our growing laboratory and fill the role of Staff Scientist I starting after March 1, 2026. MUSC has an initiative to develop chemical biology and drug discovery efforts institution-wide, and the person hired into this position is meant to play a leading role in establishing these efforts and supporting faculty throughout MUSC.

Requirements

The candidate is required to have a minimum of a Ph.D. in Chemistry or related subjects with extensive experience and demonstrated productivity in multi-step syntheses.
Must be able to work efficiently and independently under the direction of the PI.
Must be able to drive projects forward in a timely manner to meet collaborative demands across the institution.
Ability to perform job functions in an upright position.
Ability to perform job functions in a seated position.
Ability to perform job functions while walking/mobile.
Ability to climb stairs.
Ability to work indoors.
Ability to work in all cold temperature extremes, i.e. spot coolers.
Ability to bend at the waist.
Ability to twist at the waist.
Ability to perform 'pinching' operations.
Ability to fully use both hands/arms.
Ability to perform repetitive motions with hands/wrists/elbows and shoulders.
Ability to fully use both legs.
Ability to reach in all directions.
Possess good finger dexterity.
Ability to maintain tactile sensory functions.
Ability to maintain good olfactory sensory function.
Ability to lift and carry 30 lbs., unassisted.
Ability to lift objects, up to 30 lbs., from floor level to height of 72 inches, unassisted.
Ability to lower objects, up to 30 lbs., from height of 72 inches to floor level, unassisted.
Ability to push/pull objects, up to 50 lbs., unassisted.
Ability to lift and carry objects up to 30 lbs. a distance of five (5) floors and to outlying buildings.
Ability to maintain 20/40 vision, corrected.
Ability to see and recognize objects close at hand.
Ability to see and recognize objects at a distance.
Ability to match or discriminate between colors.
Ability to determine distance/relationship between objects; depth perception.
Good peripheral vision capabilities.
Ability to maintain hearing acuity, with correction.
Ability to perform gross motor functions with frequent fine motor movements.
Ability to be qualified physically (by medical personnel) for respirator use, initially and annually.
Ability to work alone in isolated areas, such as darkrooms.
Ability to obtain and maintain a valid drivers license.
Computer literacy.
Ability to work rotating shifts as required.
Ability to work overtime as required.
Ability to learn and use new processes, tools and equipment as required.

Nice To Haves

The preferred candidate will have high-quality publications detailing their efforts in synthesis and demonstrated leadership skills.
Postdoctoral experience is a plus but not required, and experience in high-throughput screening, assay development, and/or mammalian cell culture is a benefit, but not required.

Responsibilities

Responsible for leading projects related to the synthesis of chemical tools, probes, and small molecule preclinical candidates to support the needs of faculty across MUSC.
Manage all aspects of daily chemistry laboratory function and regulatory compliance in conjunction with the PI, and alongside our lab manager.
Design synthetic routes, carry-out the synthesis of these molecules, and fully characterize new molecules in a timely fashion.
Responsible, in conjunction with the PI, for advising and fostering collaborations with MUSC faculty regarding the development of small molecules.
Keep meticulously organized notes and data.
Assist in training new lab members in safety and chemistry techniques as the need arises.
Opportunity for co-authorship on manuscripts and patents.
Dr. Sprague is committed to helping develop the capabilities of the Staff Scientist in molecular pharmacology and cell biology as needs arise or if interested.
Executes synthetic routes to provide small molecules to support efforts within the Sprague Lab and across the institution (30%)
Fully characterizes small molecules (20%)
Helps execute small molecule screens as needed (10%)
Helps to train junior members of the lab in proper lab safety and techniques in chemistry (10%)
Prepares exceptional, well-organized daily laboratory records of experimental procedures and results (10%)
Participates in drafting manuscripts, grants, and patents as needed (10%)
Presents research routinely to the lab at lab meetings, participates in lab meeting discussions, and leads collaborative efforts across the institution (5%)
Upon request, performs other tasks requested to maintain a smooth operation of the laboratory (5%)