Research Scientist, Natural Products & Organic Synthesis, NCNPR

The University of Mississippi — fondly referred to as Ole Miss — stands as a premier public research institution with a proud legacy of academic distinction. We are devoted to nurturing a vibrant, inclusive community where every member — student, faculty, and staff — can achieve their fullest potential.

Job Summary

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Research Scientist in Chemistry to drive advanced research focused on the total synthesis of natural products, providing them as reference standards, elucidating the absolute stereochemistry of unresolved natural products, and performing structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies to improve the agrochemical or pharmacological aspects of natural products and their derivatives.

Job Description: Total Synthesis & Reference Standards: Execute complex synthetic routes and total syntheses to access structurally diverse natural products, serving as reference standards or enabling downstream biological evaluations. Stereochemical Elucidation: Apply advanced spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques with specialized expertise in 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy to determine and resolve the absolute stereochemistry of complex natural products.

Structure-Activity Relationship (SAR) Studies: Design, synthesize, and evaluate chemical derivatives of natural products to optimize and improve their agrochemical or therapeutic profiles. Scientific Communication: Author peer-reviewed scientific publications, contribute to patent applications, and collaborate across disciplines to advance drug discovery and agrochemical development.

Job Responsibilities

Qualifications

& Requirements Education: Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacognosy, or a closely related discipline. Experience: Extensive research expertise in isolating, characterizing, and synthesizing natural and synthetic compounds, including post-doctoral experience. Technical Expertise: Demonstrated hands-on proficiency in: Designing and executing multi-step total syntheses and handling air- and moisture-sensitive reagents.

Advanced chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques, including GC-MS, LC-MS, and 1D/2D NMR data interpretation. Modern purification methods such as Biotage flash chromatography and column chromatography. Software & Tools: Proficiency in cheminformatics and literature retrieval systems such as Chem. Draw, Sci. Finder, and Reaxys.

Education

PhD: Chemistry (Required) Experience: Interview Requirement: Interview Requirements: Any candidate who is called for an interview must notify the Department of Equal Opportunity/Regulatory Compliance in writing of any reasonable accommodation needed prior to the date of the interview. EEO Statement: The University of Mississippi provides equal opportunity in any employment practice, education program, or education activity to all qualified persons.

The University complies with all applicable laws regarding equal opportunity and does not unlawfully discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based upon race, color, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, ethnicity, citizenship, age, disability, military status, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.

Background Check Statement: The University of Mississippi is committed to providing a safe campus community. UM conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.

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