Researcher II (Synthesis & Process)

THIS POSITION WILL BE BASED IN R&D CENTRE AT BUKIT RAJA, KLANG, SELANGOR.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Synthesize compounds of interest in support of lead optimization, discovery and development programs as directed by the Principal Researcher.
• Develop and optimize synthetic methods to synthesize compounds.
• Purify the products of multiple-step syntheses on milligram to gram reaction scales.
• Characterize the products of chemical reactions using appropriate instrumentation including, but not limited to, e.g. NMR (1D, 2D), IR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, elemental analysis, HPLC, LC-MS, etc.
• Meet on a periodical basis with key administrative and technical staff to receive project updates & troubleshoot technical issues.
• Prepare status reports as well as detailed reports on the procedures, protocols, and experimental data in a suitable format for publication in relevant scientific journals and/or patent disclosure if applicable.
• Support any laboratory activities, to include general upkeep as well as chemical storage and movement and equipment usage and maintenance.
• Assist the project teams as needed with all aspects of the synthesis, purification and characterization of compounds and execute administrative tasks in support of the efforts detailed in this task.

JOB SUCCESS REQUIREMENTS

• A PhD or Master in Chemistry with a minimum of 5 years of relevant industry or academic experience in synthetic organic chemistry.
• Life sciences graduates will not be considered.
• Excellent hands-on working knowledge and understanding of chemical reaction monitoring (and relevant techniques), reaction workup, product isolation techniques and purification techniques.
• Experience in multi-step synthesis of complex molecules with the ability to design and develop synthesis methodology (e.g. esterification, enzymatic esterification, interesterification etc.) and practical synthetic routes to target compounds.
• Ability to design innovative synthesis routes amenable to scale-up for commercial production. Develop route maps, conduct route scouting investigations to identify synthesis for process development.
• Hands-on experience in analytical and purification, including NMR, preparative chromatography, etc.
• High level of creativity and productivity with strong synthetic chemistry problem-solving skills.
• The ability to effectively collaborate with international interdisciplinary teams of scientists and to capture and maintain appropriate records and effectively communicate results is essential.

ADDITIONAL NOTES / DESIRABLE SKILLS

• Self-motivated, with the ability to work proactively using own initiative.
• Hands-on approach, with a ‘can-do’ attitude.
• Committed to learning and development.