Description

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)
Note to applicants: VCU is transitioning to a new applicant tracking system beginning October 1, 2025. If you apply before that date, you may be asked to resubmit your application in the new system after the system is live. Clear instructions will be provided at that time. We appreciate your understanding during this transition and look forward to reviewing your application.