The Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) is a nonprofit
biomedical research institute based in Phoenix, Arizona, focused on
research that can help patients with cancer, neurological disorders,
diabetes and other debilitating conditions. Working with a worldwide
network of collaborators in the scientific and medical communities,
TGen researchers study the genetic components of both common and
complex diseases. Through genomic analysis, we learn how DNA, genes
and proteins  the microscopic building block of life  can affect
human health. Our 41 lead investigators and nearly 300 support
personnel at sites in Phoenix, Scottsdale and Flagstaff, Arizona,
are dedicated to improving patient care and quality of life through
precision medicine, best defined as the right therapy, for the right
patient, at the right time.

Department Description
The Computer-Aided Drug Discovery (CADD) Lab at TGen focuses on the
use / design of existing / novel in silico approaches,
methodologies, and virtual screening sets to enable small molecule
discovery and personalized medicine.  In addition to supporting data
mining and drug discovery efforts in the TGen scientific community,
CADD plays a pivotal role in the establishment of drug discovery
research capabilities at TGen and in Arizona through the launch of
the Southwest Comprehensive Center for Drug Discovery and
Development, bridging the gap between target discovery and clinical
research. 

Brief Posting Description
Ensures the design, development, execution, and implementation of
scientific research and/or development in collaboration with a
research team.  Develops, implements, and applies methods of
computational chemistry for drug discovery.

Detailed Description
TGens CADD Lab seeks highly talented post-doctoral candidates for
the NIH-funded Southwest Comprehensive Center for Drug Discovery and
Development. Efforts will include development and application of
methods of computational chemistry for all key steps along the
target-to-lead process. These methods may include protein modeling,
molecular docking and virtual ligand screening, pharmacophore
generation and analysis, QSAR and ADME modeling. The ideal candidate
has experience with several of these methods.  Programming /
scripting skills are desired and basic knowledge in medicinal
chemistry  optimal library design principles, molecular recognition
and interactions  is an asset. The successful candidate is expected
to work effectively within an inter-disciplinary team including
biologists, computational and medicinal chemists, to be
self-motivated, and have good communication skills.  The Fellow will
assume progressively more autonomous responsibilities for project
development and execution, with the aim of career maturation towards
being an independent (extramurally funded) scientist. The Fellow
will proactively assist in manuscript preparation, grant proposal
development, and progress reports.
Essential functions: 
    Develops and applies methods of computational chemistry in close
    conjunction with research partners. 

    Analyzes and summarizes research data. 

    Determines research directions for the program. 

    Writes manuscripts for publication. 

    Assists in writing proposals. 

    Mentors junior level research team members. 

    Participates in special program coordination (i.e., conferences).

  
The ideal candidate must possess:
    A Ph.D. in Computational Chemistry or a closely related discipline;

    Strong research experience in 3D modeling and design with
    demonstrated experience in one or more of the following:
    protein modeling, virtual ligand screening, structure-based
    design, ligand-based design;

    Previous experience with commercially available modeling and
    simulation software packages.

The following experience/background is preferred:
    Previous experience in programming (Fortran, C++, and/or JAVA),
    scripting, supercomputing, knowledge of UNIX/Linux OS;

    Basic knowledge of fundamental medicinal chemistry principles.

Additional Details
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) awarded a $7.5 million grant
to the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) and The
University of Arizona (UA) to fund a drug discovery and development
center that puts renewed focus on the role of medicinal chemistry.
The two-year grant, part of the federal economic recovery act, will
enable rapid establishment of both key expertise and infrastructure
in the field.

The UA College of Pharmacy and TGen Southwest Comprehensive Center
for Drug Discovery and Development will alleviate bottlenecks that
exist between the laboratory-based discovery of promising
therapeutic targets and the ultimate goal of delivering new, safe
and effective drugs to address unmet medical needs of the patient.

The overall goal of the center is to assemble a translational
medicinal chemistry team capable of designing and selecting bona
fide drug candidates to respond quickly and efficiently when needed.
The teams rapid response is expected to cover a host of diseases
including cancer, Alzheimers and heart disease and events such as
exposure to pathogens.

If you are interested in seeing the most up to date job listings or
to apply for a position, please go to
  https://www.tgen.org/about
and submit your resume for this position. Please take a moment to
read about our employee benefits and learn more about TGen. If you
have any questions about the company or how to post for a position,
please contact tgenhr/./tgen.org.

Please apply to all the jobs you are interested in. Only resumes
submitted through the TGen career website will be considered.

We value and support diversity in our workforce.
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