Staff Scientist

We are the Indiana Biosciences Research Institute (IBRI).  We are a leading translational research institute that advances academic and industry science through collaboration to improve patient health outcomes. Building your career at the IBRI in Indianapolis’ 16 Tech Innovation District, means being part of a team of renowned scientists, creative thinkers and innovative leaders.  

Today’s research is being driven by significant advances in our abilities to study complex disease processes and propose new ways to improve patients’ lives. To reflect the evolving nature of life sciences research and encourage synergies through collaboration, we’re enhancing our integrated capabilities, adding depth to how we approach patient-informed translational science, and pursuing four foundational areas of scientific focus. These four areas will provide us with the core talent and capability to pursue translational science in this new patient-centric framework: 

• Disease, Systems, Pathways – We’re working to understand diabetes better and identify new ways to combat the disease. We’re applying this learning to other conditions that share common systems and pathways.
• Molecular Innovation – We’re developing new capabilities for molecular design and drug discovery to investigate disease processes and pursue new therapeutic approaches.
• Integrated Data Sciences – We’re pursuing advanced data sciences to create novel end-user- inspired solutions that address complex analysis, simulation, and prediction across the translational sciences.
• Enabling Technologies – We’re building a rich platform of enabling technologies that give our scientists, partners, and collaborators access to the best tools to solve complex scientific problems.

The IBRI’s vision is to build a world-class organization of researchers, innovators, and business professionals that catalyze activities across the Indiana (and beyond) life sciences community.  To achieve that vision, we look for curious and collaborative team members who are energized by innovation, guided by integrity, and inspired by diversity.    

The Opportunity:

The Molecular Innovations area has a Staff Scientist position available for a talented individual with training, knowledge and experience in peptide synthesis, conjugation, purification and analysis for the purpose of identifying and developing novel peptide therapeutics. As a Staff Scientist in the IBRI Peptide Therapeutics group, you will serve as a technical Subject Matter Expert (SME) to carry out the identification and evaluation of fit-for-purpose approaches for the generation of peptides and peptide conjugates to address individual IBRI project needs.

The position will be highly cross-functional and will build and maintain effective collaborations with IBRI researchers/collaborators. Success in this role will be measured by the ability to drive scientific excellence in a team setting through participation in applied research projects leading to publications, funding, patents, tools and innovation. This position will directly assist the IBRI’s financial sustainability by participating in grant application, sub-contract budget preparation and sponsor project scope of work proposals.

This position is ideal for you if you want to work in an innovative institute in the middle of a technology district with opportunities to interact with other life sciences organizations in the region.

Responsibilities:

• Drive translational research projects through application of technical expertise in synthetic and medicinal peptide chemistry; generate and characterize peptides and peptide conjugates; optimize drug molecules via evaluation of structure-function relationships.
• Provide day-to-day oversight of peptide chemistry facilities including all relevant instrumentation, reagents and consumables.
• Preserve deep subject matter expertise through continuous evaluation of literature as well as emerging technologies and methodologies for strategic implementation as appropriate. Engage internal cross-functional teams by assisting with experimental design and mentoring junior staff.
• Prepare precise technical report summaries, protocols and analysis; and maintain appropriate documentation for internal and external communication such as conference presentation, scientific publication and patent applications.
• Maintain high scientific rigor and attention to detail in testing hypotheses and analyzing data.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree with at least 10 years post-graduate experience in a drug discovery environment; or master's degree with at least six years post-graduate experience; or PhD with at least two years post-graduate experience. Terminal degree preferred in organic, medicinal or biological chemistry or related field.
• Expert laboratory skills in state-of-the-art peptide chemistry methodologies including solid-phase synthesis, ligation, conjugation to other molecular modalities, and formulation for functional screening.
• Strong laboratory skills utilizing analytical methods associated with chemical characterization, biophysical assessment and quantitation of peptides and peptide formulations.
• Proven experience maintaining and troubleshooting relevant instrumentation of a modern peptide chemistry laboratory, including automated synthesizers, liquid chromatographs and mass spectometers.
• Knowledge of optimization of drug molecules via structure-function analyses.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, exhibiting self-motivation, adaptability and a positive attitude.
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills including tact, diplomacy and flexibility in order to work and interact effectively with staff, researchers and management in various forums.

Additional Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated ability working in a multi-disciplinary team to drive the identification of new molecular entities for translational outcomes.
• Experience in generating SOP and documentation required to provide guidance to team members.
• Experience mentoring junior colleagues.
• Experience working on multi-center, multi-discipline, milestone-driven projects.
• Working knowledge of synthetic chemistry techniques as applied to small molecules.

Compensation:

Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits offered, commensurate with experience.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The IBRI provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.

Apply:

Please visit us at www.indianabiosciences.org/careers-apply to apply for this opportunity. Interested individuals are encouraged to provide their CV/resume and a brief cover letter with their application.