Find Jobs

The WVU Cancer Institute at West Virginia University Research Corporation is currently accepting applications for a Temporary Assistant Research Chemist.

About the Opportunity

As a Temporary Assistant Research Chemist, you will assist in the design and production of novel small molecules via synthetic methods. You will be expected to possess multiple competencies including synthetic organic chemistry and analytical chemistry on a milligram to gram scale. You will work closely with a diverse cross-disciplinary team of scientists including cancer biologists, molecular biologists and computational chemists. We are specifically seeking a creative, energetic and highly self-motivated individual who enjoys the challenges associated with cutting edge small molecule research.

Assignment Length: Approximately 4 months (end date July 31, 2024)

Work Hours: 37.5 hours per week

What you'll do:

• Execute efficient synthesis of novel compounds and validation of structures.


• Assist in the design of novel compounds to advance the chemical series to a lead candidate selection.


• Support the rational compound design of candidate compounds from ideation to small scale synthesis.

• Master's degree in synthetic organic chemistry, pharmacy, medicinal chemistry, natural product chemistry, or related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.


• 0-6 months of relevant experience.


• Desire to work in an academic group.


• Familiarization with modern Medicinal Chemistry principals preferred.


• Proficiency in multi-step organic synthesis, chromatographic purification, and compound characterization using modern analytical techniques (NMR, LCMS and HPLC).


• Ability to thrive in a multidisciplinary environment and learn new technologies quickly.


• Excellent interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to work in multidisciplinary team environments.


• Background in pharmacy, pharmaceutical sciences, medicinal chemistry, purification, and structure determination preferred.


• Good to advanced understanding of pharmacotherapy and pharmacology preferred.


• Familiarity with natural product isolation, purification and structure determination preferred.

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD in synthetic organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, natural product chemistry, or related.

At West Virginia University, we leverage our talents and resources to create a better future for our state and the world. As West Virginia's land-grant university, WVU has three campuses that touch each corner of the state. The WVU System includes 518 buildings on 15,880 acres, Extension Service offices in all 55 counties, ten experimental farms and four forests.

From the groundbreaking R1 research of our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs of WVU Potomac State in Keyser to the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley - the contributions of WVU employees directly impact the 1.8 million people of West Virginia every day, no matter their role or position.

Service, curiosity, respect, accountability, and appreciation are the core values that unite Mountaineers, inspiring one another to work tirelessly and support others as they seek to reach new heights. After all, when you're a Mountaineer, impossible is just another mountain to climb.

Creating an inclusive, engaged, and dynamic learning environment is core to WVU's academic mission. We welcome candidates who can contribute a range of ideas, approaches and experiences.

West Virginia University is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer and is the recipient of an NSF ADVANCE award for gender equity. The University values diversity among its faculty, staff, and students, and invites applications from all qualified applicants regardless of race, ethnicity, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, nationality, genetics, disability, or Veteran status.