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Imaging Biomarker Research Scientist - Chemistry

University of Wisconsin Madison
sick time
United States, Wisconsin, Madison
21 North Park Street (Show on map)
Oct 28, 2025
Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Jobs Hub to apply through the internal application process. 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.


  • Terminal, 24 month appointment

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

  • This position may require some work to be performed in-person, onsite, at a designated campus work location. Some work may be performed remotely, at an offsite, non-campus work location.

  • 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.

  • The SMPH home department will be determined at the time of hire.


Key Job Responsibilities:
  • 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
  • Attends and assists with the facilitation of scholarly events and presentations in support of continued professional development and the dissemination of research information
  • Monitors program budget and approves unit expenditures
  • Conducts literature reviews, prepares reports and materials, and disseminates information to appropriate entities
  • Collects and analyzes complex research data, conducts experiments and interviews, and documents results according to established policies and procedures under general supervision
  • 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
Department:

School of Medicine and Public Health, Department of Medicine, Division of Geriatrics and Gerontology, Sterling Johnson Lab

This position will be housed in the Sterling Johnson Lab, within the Department of Medicine, Division of Geriatrics and Gerontology in the School of Medicine and Public Health. The position will also work closely with faculty and colleagues from the Department of Medical Physics, also part of the School of Medicine and Public Health.

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!

The Department of Medical Physics is one of 10 basic science and 18 clinical departments in the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. Medical Physics faculty research is broadly focused on using physical principles to improve our understanding of the biological basis of disease and health, improving our ability to non-invasively diagnosis disease as early as possible, and for developing, guiding, and non-invasively assessing therapeutic interventions. Together with our clinical colleagues, we advance state-of-the-art patient care by developing, validating, and translating to the clinical environment novel imaging systems, minimally invasive, personalized treatments, and early treatment assessment.

Compensation:

The expected salary range for this position is $70,000 up to $100,000 for highly experienced candidates. 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 Academic Staff Benefits Flyer.

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

Preferred Qualifications:

Preference will be given to applicants with a 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 a closely related field, is required.

How to Apply:

To apply for this position, please click on the "I am a current employee" button or "I am not a current employee" button under Apply Now. You will be prompted to upload the following documents.


  • Cover Letter

  • Resume


Please note, there is only one attachment field. You must upload all of your documents in the attachment field.

Applicants are to submit a cover letter and resume detailing their training and experience relating to the required and preferred qualifications referenced above. The application reviewers will be relying on written application materials to determine which qualified applicants will advance in the recruitment process. We will notify selected applicants to participate further in the selection process directly. References will be requested of final candidates. All applicants will be notified after the search is complete and a candidate has been selected.

Contact Information:

Rachael Wilson, rwilson@medicine.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).

The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report contains current campus safety and disciplinary policies, crime statistics for the previous 3 calendar years, and on-campus student housing fire safety policies and fire statistics for the previous 3 calendar years. UW-Madison will provide a paper copy upon request; please contact the University of Wisconsin Police Department.

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