Polymer
- Expertise in random or block copolymer synthesis using various techniques (ring opening, free radical, condensation or metathesis polymerization under solution, emulsion or melt conditions).
- Experience in synthesis of functional and biodegradable/biocompatible polymers.
- Experience in polymer characterization techniques including NMR spectroscopy and Size Exclusion Chromatography as applied to determination of polymer composition, end group structure and molar mass.
- Knowledge of polymer characterization by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and dilute solution viscometry as applied to determination polymer purity and molar mass.
- Familiarity with analytical methods for determination of polymer purity including gas chromatography, atomic absorption spectroscopy (ICP-OES/MS) and liquid chromatography (HPLC).
Targeting
- Experience with both solution and solid phase synthetic organic chemistry. Experience in peptide synthesis.
- Experience in protein bio-conjugation techniques and relevant biochemical methods (biotinylation, fluorescence, SEC, FPLC, SDS-PAGE).
- Experience with HPLC, LC/MS, NMR and other common analytical techniques.
- Experience in protein binding methods is desirable (SPR-Biacore, calorimetry, ELISA, FACS).
The Chemist’s main responsibilities will be:
- Take an active role in identifying new ligands for targeted nanoparticles through literature research, rational design or library screening.
- Design and synthesize analogs, optimize binding affinities for newly discovered ligands and conjugate them to the nanoparticles.
- Work with polymer chemists to determine scalable synthetic routes for polymer-ligand conjugates.
- Interface with biology/assay group to establish and execute binding assays for new ligands.
- Design and synthesize polymer libraries for Formulation Development efforts towards controlled release nanoparticle formulations
- Develop synthetic methods for lab and production scale (
