Logo
University of Arkansas for Medical Science

Assistant/Associate Staff Scientist

University of Arkansas for Medical Science, Pulaski Heights, Arkansas, United States

Save Job

Overview The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Cancer Institute and College of Pharmacy (COP) have established the Screening and Drug Discovery Resource (SDDR) to provide high-throughput screening (HTS) capabilities. This shared resource offers critical infrastructure and specialized expertise to support the identification of small-molecule modulators targeting cancer-related pathways, phenotypes, and molecular mechanisms. The Scientist will play a key role in advancing these efforts by conducting innovative research, performing experiments, analyzing data, compiling results, and overseeing quality control processes to ensure data integrity. The Scientist will function as a chemist, contributing to drug design, synthesis, and discovery efforts focused on identifying small-molecule modulators of cancer-related targets. The Scientist will work under the guidance of the Principal Investigator and will provide reports to the SDDR leadership. The Scientist will conduct independent experiments, analyze data, and ensure rigorous quality control. The position also involves maintaining laboratory equipment, managing shared reagent procurement, and supporting high-impact research aligned with NIH and extramural funding goals. This role is critical to advancing translational cancer research at UAMS and sustaining the SDDR\'s core mission.

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) has a unique combination of education, research, and clinical programs that encourages and supports teamwork and diversity. We champion being a collaborative health care organization, focused on improving patient care and the lives of Arkansans.

Position Details Closing Date:

11/12/2025

Type of Position:

Regular

Work Shift:

Sponsorship Available:

No

Institution Name:

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

Benefits UAMS offers amazing benefits and perks (available for benefits eligible positions only):

Health: Medical, Dental and Vision plans available for qualifying staff and family

Holiday, Vacation and Sick Leave

Education discount for staff and dependents (undergraduate only)

Retirement: Up to 10% matched contribution from UAMS

Basic Life Insurance up to $50,000

Career Training and Educational Opportunities

Merchant Discounts

Concierge prescription delivery on the main campus when using UAMS pharmacy

How to Apply Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening. To apply for the position, please click the Apply link/button.

Equal Opportunity The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of any category or status protected by law, including age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, or pregnancy. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX may be sent to the University\'s Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.

Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

All application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.

Contacts For general application assistance or questions about a job posting, please contact Human Resources at askrecruitment@uams.edu.

Department Department: COM | Biochemistry Moldoveanu Lab

Department Website Department\'s Website:

Summary of Job Duties The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Cancer Institute and College of Pharmacy (COP) have established the Screening and Drug Discovery Resource (SDDR) to provide high-throughput screening (HTS) capabilities. This shared resource offers critical infrastructure and specialized expertise to support the identification of small-molecule modulators targeting cancer-related pathways, phenotypes, and molecular mechanisms. The Scientist will play a key role in advancing these efforts by conducting innovative research, performing experiments, analyzing data, compiling results, and overseeing quality control processes to ensure data integrity. The Scientist will function as a chemist, contributing to drug design, synthesis, and discovery efforts focused on identifying small-molecule modulators of cancer-related targets. The Scientist will work under the guidance of the Principal Investigator and will provide reports to the SDDR leadership. The Scientist will conduct independent experiments, analyze data, and ensure rigorous quality control. The position also involves maintaining laboratory equipment, managing shared reagent procurement, and supporting high-impact research aligned with NIH and extramural funding goals. This role is critical to advancing translational cancer research at UAMS and sustaining the SDDR\'s core mission.

Qualifications Assistant Staff Scientist (Entry Level):

Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry or Medicinal Chemistry

Expertise in organic synthesis, medicinal chemistry, and structure-activity relationship (SAR) analysis

Knowledge of scientific methodologies, ability to design and conduct independent research

Strong adherence to safety protocols

Associate Staff Scientist (Experienced):

Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry or Medicinal Chemistry

Minimum five (5) years of relevant experience in organic/medicinal chemistry or drug discovery

Advanced expertise in organic synthesis, drug design, and SAR analysis

Demonstrated ability to lead, organize, and coordinate scientific projects

Preferred Qualifications:

Ph.D. in healthcare, computational biology, or bioinformatics

Hands-on experience with organic synthesis, drug design, and advanced laboratory techniques

Responsibilities

Medicinal chemistry triage of HTS campaigns. Design and preparation of compounds enabling HTS campaigns.

Manage compound library for screening, order supplies.

Maintain laboratory compliance with safety, biological, chemical, and radiation regulations.

Manage data entry by staff, and activities surrounding database, data collection, and data entry and data management.

Participate in and assist with the organization of research group meetings with PIs, Cancer Institute and research team to evaluate/interpret experimental data.

Other duties as assigned by SDDR leadership.

Physical Activity Constant Physical Activity: Sitting

Frequent Physical Activity: Sitting

Occasional Physical Activity: Crouching, Kneeling, Lifting, Manipulate items with fingers, including keyboarding, Standing, Talking, Walking

Salary Salary Information: Commensurate with education and experience

Required Documents Required Documents to Apply: Curriculum Vitae

Optional Documents Optional Documents:

Special Instructions Recruitment Contact Information: askrecruitment@uams.edu

Application Note All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site https://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS. Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.

Pre-employment Screening This position is subject to pre-employment screening (criminal background, drug testing, and/or education verification). A criminal history will be evaluated in relation to job responsibilities and business necessity. The information obtained in these reports will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.

Benefits Eligible Yes

#J-18808-Ljbffr