Description

Posting Details

Posting Number

S15193P

Working Title

Research Professional III

Department

Pharmacy-Pharm & Biomed Sci

About the University of Georgia

Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state's flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University's main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.

About the College/Unit/Department

The College of Pharmacy at the University of Georgia ( UGA ) is a distinguished institution known for its excellence in pharmacy education, research, and community service (https://rx.uga.edu/). We are at the forefront of pharmaceutical research, with faculty and students engaged in groundbreaking studies that contribute to advancements in healthcare and medicine. Research areas include drug discovery, pharmacology, and clinical pharmacy. The college is highly ranked, placing 16th out of 140 pharmacy programs nationwide according to US News & World Report, underscoring our reputation for excellence. These elements make the UGA College of Pharmacy a unique and enriching place for students to pursue their pharmacy education and careers.

College/Unit/Department website

https://rx.uga.edu/

Posting Type

External

Retirement Plan

TRS or ORP

Employment Type

Employee

Benefits Eligibility

Benefits Eligible

Full/Part time

Full Time

Work Schedule

Additional Schedule Information

• 8:00am-5:00pm, Monday through Friday
• Willing to work occasional evenings and weekends as necessary

Advertised Salary

Commensurate with Experience

Posting Date

05/22/2026

Open until filled

No

Closing Date

06/01/2026

Proposed Starting Date

08/01/2026

Special Instructions to Applicants

Location of Vacancy

Athens Area

EEO Policy Statement

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).

USG Core Values Statement

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 08.02.18.01.02.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

Position Information

Classification Title

Res Assc-Medical Science III

FLSA

Exempt

FTE

1.00

Minimum Qualifications

Master's degree in a related field of science and 5 years of professional experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemistry/organic chemistry is preferred
• 2 years or more of post-doctoral experience is preferred

Position Summary

This position will be involved in the design and synthesis of nucleoside and nucleotide analogs, including the synthesis of small molecules for the antiviral and anticancer drug discovery program. Currently, we are running various projects for the invention of new antiviral drugs against several life-threatening viruses, and an anticancer drug discovery program for colon and pancreatic cancer. This position will help to execute our future planned projects.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Knowledge of organic synthesis principles, including multistep reaction design, purification, and analytical characterization of small molecules.
• Knowledge of pharmacokinetics, laboratory operations, safety practices, and research methodologies in medicinal and organic chemistry.
• Skill in designing, executing, and troubleshooting multistep organic syntheses with reproducible outcomes.
• Skill in chromatographic purification and analysis of compounds using standard analytical techniques.
• Skill in scientific writing and literature research using scholarly databases.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and apply critical thinking to experimental design and problem-solving.
• Ability to maintain laboratory operations, follow safety and regulatory requirements, and communicate scientific findings effectively.

Physical Demands

• Transport equipment along footpaths in the laboratory area and connected rooms.
• Lift equipment up to ~25lbs.
• Sitting/standing for long periods of time.

Is driving a responsibility of this position?

No

Is this a Position of Trust?

Yes

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?

No

Does this position require a P-Card?

No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position?

No

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?

No

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications)

Yes

Credit and P-Card policy

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Background Investigation Policy

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Duties/Responsibilities

Duties/Responsibilities

• Uphold and promote high ethical standards, scientific integrity, and productivity in support of the antiviral and anticancer drug discovery programs within the College of Pharmacy at the University of Georgia.
• Design, synthesize, and optimize small molecules, nucleoside analogs, and nucleotide analogs, including the execution of complex, multi-step synthetic pathways to evaluate biological activity as potential drug candidates.
• Provide scientific leadership in medicinal chemistry and antiviral/anticancer drug discovery through independent project execution and collaboration within multidisciplinary teams, including internal and external research partners.
• Conduct structural characterization and analysis of organic compounds using NMR , mass spectrometry, LC-MS, UV, and IR spectroscopy.
• Perform purification of organic compounds using HPLC , flash chromatography, and normal-phase silica gel chromatography.
• Apply advanced organic chemistry expertise to troubleshoot and resolve synthetic challenges across multiple projects; conduct comprehensive literature searches (e.g., SciFinder) and maintain awareness of emerging methods and discoveries relevant to ongoing research.
• Ensure laboratory safety and regulatory compliance, including chemical inventory management, hazardous waste handling, and proper use of safety systems (e.g., Chematrix/ChemWatch), in alignment with UGA policies and EPA regulations.
• Maintain laboratory operations, including routine maintenance of equipment, development and revision of standard operating procedures (SOPs), and coordination of instrument functionality.
• Train and mentor graduate and undergraduate students in laboratory techniques, safety procedures, and research best practices.
• Prepare scientific manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals in medicinal chemistry, organic chemistry, and drug discovery.
• Present research findings and progress updates through regular lab meetings, written reports, and discussions with the Principal Investigator; participate in meetings with pharmaceutical industry collaborators as applicable.
• Maintain accurate and complete laboratory notebooks and supporting documentation in accordance with research and compliance standards.

Percentage of time

60

Duties/Responsibilities

• Develop, generate, and maintain experimental models and protocols, including the design and molecular modeling of small molecules in support of the antiviral drug discovery program.

Percentage of time

15

Duties/Responsibilities

• Train and mentor graduate and undergraduate students in organic synthesis techniques, including reaction setup, execution, purification, and structural analysis of compounds.
• Instruct trainees in experimental methods and laboratory procedures, ensuring adherence to safety protocols and best research practices.
• Guide students in the analysis and interpretation of antiviral and anticancer assay data, supporting their development of technical and analytical skills.

Percentage of time

10

Duties/Responsibilities

• Maintain laboratory safety standards, including chemical management, required records, and standard operating protocols.
• Manage laboratory purchasing activities, including ordering supplies, tracking deliveries, and maintaining accurate chemical and equipment inventories.
• Monitor laboratory activities to ensure compliance with safety regulations, institutional policies, and best laboratory practices.

Percentage of time

10

Duties/Responsibilities

• Participate in research project planning and collaborate with faculty investigators and affiliated laboratories to develop and advance new research initiatives.

Percentage of time

5

Contact Information

Recruitment Contact

Contact Details

For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.

Recruitment Contact Name

Uma S. Singh, Ph.D.

Recruitment Contact Email

ussingh@uga.edu

Recruitment Contact Phone

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Resume/CV
2. Cover Letter

Optional Documents