Chemistry Scientist: Molecular Imaging Tracer Development

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Job Category:

Academic Staff

Employment Type:

Terminal (Fixed Term)

Job Profile:

Scientist II

Job Summary:

The Department of Medicine offers a unique opportunity for a Scientist I or II to support research aimed at developing novel molecular imaging tracers for neuroscience applications. These imaging radiotracers will facilitate the diagnosis of brain diseases based on their molecular pathology and hence the development of therapeutics. This successful candidate will conduct lead discovery and optimization based on medicinal chemistry techniques to identify potent ligands for pathological proteins. Leads will be radiolabeled for further characterization. We seek applicants with a track record of outstanding research accomplishments in organic and medicinal chemistry, and an ability to work in a highly collegial and collaborative academic environment.

• This position requires work to be completed onsite, at a designated campus work location.

• Terminal, 24 month appointment

• This position has the possibility to be extended or converted to an ongoing appointment based on need and/or funding.

• Applicants for this position will be considered for the following titles [Scientist I; Scientist II]. The title is determined by the experience and qualifications of the finalist.

Key Job Responsibilities:

• Independently designs, synthesizes, purifies, and characterizes focused compound libraries to support PET tracer discovery and medicinal chemistry optimization.

• Serves as a unit subject matter expert and liaison to internal and external stakeholders providing advanced level information and representing the interests of a specialized research area

• Identifies research problems and develops complex research methodologies and procedures

• May supervise the day-to-day activities of a research unit as needed

• Writes or assists in developing grant applications and proposals to secure research funding

• Collaborates closely with biological assay, imaging, radiochemistry, and project team colleagues to interpret data, prioritize compounds, and support effective lead optimization.

• Attends and assists with the facilitation of scholarly events and presentations in support of continued professional development and the dissemination of research information

• Conducts literature reviews, prepares reports and materials, and disseminates information to appropriate entities

• Performs compound scale-up and prepares high-quality research materials to enable in vitro assays, radiolabeling studies, pharmacokinetic evaluation, and other downstream experiments.

• Advances hit and lead compounds through iterative structure-activity relationship studies, using chemical, physicochemical, and biological assay data to guide compound design.

• Monitors program budget and approves unit expenditures

• Collects and analyzes complex research data, conducts experiments and interviews, and documents results according to established policies and procedures under general supervision

Department:

School of Medicine and Public Health, Department of Medicine, Division of Geriatrics and Gerontology, ADRC WRAP Biospecimen Lab

Fueled by innovation yet grounded in kindness, the Department of Medicine empowers leaders to transform medicine and improve lives everywhere. We are committed to professional fulfillment and health equity. We strive to ensure that everyone in our department understands the importance of social impact and belonging—and is empowered to champion it in all they do. Join us and be a part of supporting our nationally recognized faculty, innovative medical education programs and exceptional clinical care as we work towards our vision of healthy people and healthy communities!

At the Division of Geriatrics and Gerontology, we help older adults live their healthiest lives. We lead comprehensive education, research and clinical programs—in partnership with our world-class university, remarkable health system and regional Veterans hospital. We are innovative, collaborative and compassionate. We strive for excellence and health equity. And we make an impact in Wisconsin and beyond.

Compensation:

The expected salary range for this position is $70,000 up to $100,000 for highly experienced candidates and actual pay within this range will depend on experience and qualifications. 

Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays, and sick leave; competitive insurances and savings accounts; retirement benefits. For more information, refer to the campus benefits webpage and the SMPH Faculty /Academic Staff Benefits Flyer 2026

Preferred Qualifications:

• Minimum of 2 years postdoctoral experience in organic or medicinal chemistry.

• Demonstrated track record in small-molecule protein ligand development, including assay-guided SAR and lead advancement.

• Broad knowledge base in organic chemistry, including:

  • Organic synthesis of heterocyclic compounds,

  • Synthesis of small analogue libraries,

  • Lead optimization based on common medicinal chemistry practices,

  • Scale up of lead compounds to produce multi-gram quantities, and

  • Extensive experience with relevant laboratory analytical techniques such as 1H/13C-NMR, HPLC, GC, TLC, MS, etc.

Education:

Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, or closely related discipline, is required.

How to Apply:

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To apply for this position, select either “I am a current employee” or “I am not a current employee” under Apply Now. You will then be prompted to upload your application materials.

Important: The application has only one attachment field. Upload the following documents in that field, either as a single combined file or as multiple files in the same upload area. Failure to submit the required documents will result in no longer being considered for the position.

 • Cover letter required
 • Resume required

Your cover letter should address how your training and experience aligns with the required and preferred qualifications listed above. Application reviewers will rely on these written materials to determine which applicants move forward in the process. References will be requested from final candidates. All applicants will be notified once the search concludes and a candidate is selected.

University sponsorship is not available for this position, including transfers of sponsorship and TN visas. The selected applicant will be responsible for ensuring their continuous eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of an employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment. This position is currently scheduled to end two years from date of hire and will require eligibility to work until that time. If you are selected for this position you must provide proof of work authorization and eligibility to work. 

The department will not be able to support a request for a J-1 waiver. If you choose to pursue a waiver and apply for our position, neither the UW nor UWMF will reimburse you for your legal or waiver fees.

Contact Information:

Rachael Wilson, rewilson3@wisc.edu

Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.

Institutional Statement on Diversity:

Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence by acknowledging skills and expertise from all backgrounds and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view federal and state required postings, visit the Human Resources Workplace Poster website.

To request a disability or pregnancy-related accommodation for any step in the hiring process (e.g., application, interview, pre-employment testing, etc.), please contact the Divisional Disability Representative (DDR) in the division you are applying to. Please make your request as soon as possible to help the university respond most effectively to you.

Employment may require a criminal background check. It may also require your references to answer questions regarding misconduct, including sexual violence and sexual harassment. 
 
The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7). 
 
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