Computational Chemist

Job Family:

Travel Required:

Clearance Required:

Guidehouse is searching for a highly motivated Computational Chemist with a strong chemistry background to support the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The position is part of a multi-disciplinary team of scientists who provide NIH researchers with computational chemistry support, training, and consultation. This is a unique opportunity to work on a project that, when fully realized, can greatly improve the state of pain control and patient standard of care.  At the same time, the research program can help to avert the opioid crisis through the discovery of new non-opioid agents for pain control.  This opportunity is a full-time temporary position based on the NIH campus Bethesda, MD with the option for remote work

What You Will Do:

• Plan and carry out computer simulations at the level of quantum mechanics and molecular mechanics together with in-silico screening to develop small molecules for diagnosis and therapy. These small molecules include highly potent non-addictive analgesics (e.g., TRPV1 agonists) to replace opioids for the treatment of severe pain
• Work independently and collaborate with synthetic chemists, pharmacologists, structural biologists, and clinicians to discover novel bioactive compounds of interest to NIH
• Build antimicrobial databases via ligand and receptor-based virtual screening and integrate the refined structural information into a machine-learning approach for the design of novel antimicrobials

What You Will Need:

• Ph.D. with a Minimum of FOUR (4) years of experience
• Fundamental knowledge of Quantum Chemistry, Molecular Mechanics, and hybrid potentials of Quantum Mechanics and Molecular Mechanics (e.g., GAMESS/CHARMM)
• Experience in applying QM and QM/MM methodologies to investigate the reaction mechanism of small molecules and enzyme mechanisms
• Expertise in molecular dynamics simulations of proteins
• Experience with high-performance computing environments in both software and hardware
• Proficiency in chemical library screening and the ability to establish structure-activity relationships for structurally diverse compounds
• Proficiency in machine learning and artificial intelligence to classify outputs from screens as well as the ability to code custom software as necessary
• Excellent understanding of medicinal chemistry to categorize molecules as strong candidates and to rapidly eliminate structures of known toxicity
• Ability to be self-motivated and to think deeply about scientific problems
• Capable of independent problem solving and use of multiple techniques for achieving solutions.
• Strong goal-directed personality.
• Capable of working on a team in addition to independently.
• Strong aspiration to advance medical progress,
• Strong aspiration to make a contribution to improving patient health and the standard of care for pain control.
• Experience with teaching, tutoring, or training of scientists in molecular modeling
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

What Would Be Nice To Have:

• Ph.D. in Chemistry

What We Offer:

Guidehouse offers a comprehensive, total rewards package that includes competitive compensation and a flexible benefits package that reflects our commitment to creating a diverse and supportive workplace.

Benefits include:

• Medical, Rx, Dental & Vision Insurance

• Personal and Family Sick Time & Company Paid Holidays

• Parental Leave

• 401(k) Retirement Plan

• Group Term Life and Travel Assistance

• Voluntary Life and AD&D Insurance

• Health Savings Account, Health Care & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts

• Transit and Parking Commuter Benefits

• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability

• Tuition Reimbursement, Personal Development, Certifications & Learning Opportunities

• Employee Referral Program

• Corporate Sponsored Events & Community Outreach

• Care.com annual membership

• Employee Assistance Program

• Supplemental Benefits via Corestream (Critical Care, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, Legal Assistance and ID theft protection, etc.)

• Position may be eligible for a discretionary variable incentive bonus

About Guidehouse
Guidehouse is an Equal Employment Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, military status, protected veteran status, religion, creed, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, age, genetic information, or any other basis protected by law, ordinance, or regulation.

Guidehouse will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law or ordinance including the Fair Chance Ordinance of Los Angeles and San Francisco.

If you have visited our website for information about employment opportunities, or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation, please contact Guidehouse Recruiting at 1-571-633-1711 or via email at RecruitingAccommodation@guidehouse.com. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodation.

Guidehouse does not accept unsolicited resumes through or from search firms or staffing agencies. All unsolicited resumes will be considered the property of Guidehouse and Guidehouse will not be obligated to pay a placement fee.