Job No. 157022
- Job Title:
- Analytical Chemist, Center for Translational Medicine
- Employer:
-
The University of Montana
- Location:
-
Missoula , MT
- Posting Date:
- 12-Nov-2025
- Description:
-
Description
The Formulations and Analytical Chemistry Group within the Center for Translational Medicine-Adjuvant Research Team (CTM-ART) at the University of Montana, Missoula, MT, seeks an energetic and skilled Analytical Chemist to join the lab of Dr. Walid Abdelwahab. This position offers an exciting opportunityto work within a well-funded, world-class research team with strong connections in both academia and industry, dedicated to advancing novel vaccines, adjuvants, and immunomodulators. Our research encompasses a broad spectrum of small- and large-molecule drug discovery and development, as well as protein and mRNA vaccine delivery systems, including lipid-based platforms (LNPs, liposomes, emulsions), inorganic nanoparticles, and bioconjugates. This opportunity provides a strong preparation for a career in academic or industry research.
We seek highly motivated candidates with solid knowledge in pharmaceutical analytical research and development activities, including method development, qualification, validation, technical transfer to contracted manufacture, documentation, stability testing, and PK/ADME studies for drug substance abuse products supporting pre-clinical development. The candidate will independently develop analytical methods (including but not limited to: HPLC (UV/CAD), MS, CE, CD, DSC, DLS, NMR) and conduct sample testing to support the development of small molecule immunomodulators, proteins, mRNA, mAbs, and conjugate vaccine formulations. Knowledge of vaccine delivery systems, nanoparticle technology, bioconjugation, and solid understanding of immunology and biological systems will be favorably considered.
Embark on an extraordinary journey and become a part of our team of creative and forward-thinking scientists in beautiful Montana. Nestled amidst stunning landscapes, our research environment offers not only groundbreaking scientific opportunities but also an unparalleled quality of life. Montana's breathtaking scenery and abundance of outdoor activities provide the perfect backdrop for cultivating fresh ideas and fostering innovation.
Minimum Qualifications
Good interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.
Ability to maintain a safe working and learning environment.
Good documentation skills for recording research and ability to summarize results in concise memos , reports, and technical documents (e.g., validation reports, stability reports, development summaries).
Demonstrated experience and/or knowledge in the following:
Various modern analytical tools and technologies used in pharmaceutical analysis (e.g., MS,U/HPLC, GC, SEC, CE, DLS, DSC, CD, NMR, etc.).
Practical analytical experience working with active pharmaceutical ingredients and relateddosage forms including liquids or lyophilized products.
Analytical method transfer to CROs/CMOs.
Experience with regulatory compliance and guidelines (e.g. FDA, ICH, and EMEA)
Basic understanding of pharmaceutical formulations (nanoparticles and bioconjugates) andprocess development.
Equipment maintenance and logs
Chemical inventory maintenance
Safety audits
Qualification breakdown by classification:
Associate Research Scientist
Bachelor of Science and greater than five (5) years of applicable lab experience or Master of Science and less than two (2) years lab experience.
Designs and executes laboratory experiments with minimal supervision.
Performs data management and analysis with minimum oversight.
Demonstrates competence with multiple laboratory systems and methods.
Research Scientist
Bachelor of Science and greater than ten (10) years of applicable lab experience or Master ofScience and greater than five (5) years lab experience.
Designs and executes a wide range of experiments with minimal or no supervision.
Performs complex data management and analysis with minimum oversight.
Technical expert on one or more laboratory systems
Postdoctoral Research Associate
Ph.D. (current or within 3 months for graduate students)
Has theoretical, practical and exceptional technical competencies.
Proven record and ability to produce research to a high publication standard.
Designs and executes a wide range of experiments independently and proactively incorporates new technologies into practice with minimal or no supervision.
Performs complex data management and analysis with minimum or no oversight.
Assists in grant and manuscript writing with limited input from supervisor.
Presents effectively to internal and external meetings.
Writes specific technical sections of internal and external reports with limited supervision.
Responsible for sharing relevant scientific information from internal and external meetings with appropriate colleagues.
Established networking skills through interactions with scientists outside of primary project roles.
Trains incoming and/or junior scientists on instrumentation and methods.
Preferred
Use knowledge and experience to design, conduct and interpret data from experiments. Plan work based on specific objectives. Prioritize tasks. keep management/team informed of progress andadjust work accordingly. Display an understanding of project goals.
Demonstrate the ability to identify and recommend solutions for problems that arise during experimentation.
Communicate technical information efficiently and accurately. Practice active listening skills to understand information being communicated by others. Deliver articulate presentations in a team environment. Write clearly and concisely. Maintain laboratory notebook according to team standards.
Build trusted relationships within the team and across groups, fostering a sense of partnership and a strong network for enhanced collaboration.
Additional Information
Position is full-time, 1.0 FTE, Letter of Appointment and includes a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including insurance package, mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition waiver, and wellness program.
- Contact information:
- The University of Montana
- Missoula , MT 59812
- United States
- Employer's Website:
-
Visit Employer's website