Research Technician (Medicinal Chemist)

Research Technician (Medicinal Chemist)

Position Details

Position Information Position Title Research Technician (Medicinal Chemist) Research Project Darvesh Research Laboratory Department/Unit Medical Neuroscience Location Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada Posting Number S068-26 Employee Group Grant-Paid (PSAC Local 86001) Position Type Term Duration of Contract (if applicable) One (1) year Employment Type Full Time Full-time Equivalency (FTE) 1.0 Salary $46,338 - $58,661 per annum at 35 hours per week Classification Provisional Statement About Dalhousie University Dalhousie University is Atlantic Canada’s leading research-intensive university and a driver of the region’s intellectual, social and economic development. Located in the heart of Halifax, Nova Scotia, with an Agricultural Campus in Truro/Bible Hill, Dalhousie is a truly national and international university, with more than half of our almost 21,000 students coming from outside of the province. Our 6,000 faculty and staff foster a vibrant, purpose-driven community, that celebrated 200 years of academic excellence in 2018.

Job Summary The Darvesh Laboratory is part of a multi-institutional team of researchers studying cholinesterase activity in neurodegenerative diseases, supporting the development of new molecular tools for studying cholinesterase activity relevant to Alzheimer’s disease. This position will be part of the research project "Synthesis and evaluation of butyrylcholinesterase ligands for brain imaging."

Reporting to the Principal Investigator, the Research Technician will use medicinal chemistry techniques to evaluate possible imaging agents that target cholinesterase activity for the possible diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. The incumbent will apply medicinal and synthetic organic chemistry methods to generate and characterize candidate compounds, assess their biochemical properties, and support their evaluation in enzymatic and radiolabeling studies.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to the design, synthesis, and evaluation of small molecules intended for use as molecular imaging agents targeting cholinesterase activity.
• Perform in-silico calculations on proposed chemical structures.
• Carry out structure-activity relationships.
• Design, synthesize, purify and characterize new molecules as potential drug platforms.
• Conduct multi-step synthesis of small molecules using synthetic organic chemistry methods. Screen molecules for ADMET properties.
• Perform enzyme kinetic experiments with new molecules. Incorporate radioactive 18F or 123I into new molecules and perform autoradiography experiments.

Note The work involves routine handling of chemical reagents, solvents, and small-molecule intermediates. The incumbent may also work with small quantities of radioactive isotopes (e.g., fluorine-18 or iodine-123) in designated facilities following approved radiation safety procedures.

Due to operational requirements, the successful applicant is required to work in-person on campus.

Required Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree with a major in Chemistry.
• Expertise and experience in standard techniques of synthetic organic chemistry and characterization methods such as nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and other spectroscopic methods for confirming identity.
• Demonstrated adherence to established laboratory safety procedures and institutional chemical safety protocols, including experience safely using standard laboratory equipment for organic synthesis, purification, and analytical characterization.
• Proficiency in Office365 suite as well as experience with chemical drawing software.
• Solid documentation skills, effective team player with strong, collaborative trouble-shooting skills as well as solid organizational ability with proven accuracy and attention to detail.
• The incumbent will be required to stand for extended periods and carefully manipulate laboratory instruments and glassware.

Assets

• Prior publications in the organic or medical chemistry field.

Job Competencies

The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate proficiency in Dalhousie’s core and leadership [?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.dal.ca%2Fcontent%2Fdam%2Fdalhousie%2Fpdf%2Fdept%2Fleaders%2F19186%20Core%20Competencies-Web%203.pdf&module=jobs&id=61594" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.dal.ca%2Fcontent%2Fdam%2Fdalhousie%2Fpdf%2Fdept%2Fleaders%2F19186%20Core%20Competencies-Web%203.pdf&module=jobs&id=61594" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://cdn.dal.ca/­content/dam/­dalhousie/pdf/­dept/leaders/­19186%20Core%20Competencies-­Web%203.pdf]competencies, in particular:

- Self-Awareness & Professionalism - Integrity - Adaptability - Knowledge & Thinking Skills - Communication Additional Information Dalhousie University supports a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Our total compensation package includes a voluntary RRSP , health and dental plans, a wellness allowance, an employee and family assistance program and a tuition assistance program.

Application Consideration Non-probationary bargaining unit employees ( PSAC Local 86001) are given priority consideration. All other applications will be considered when there is no qualified candidate from the bargaining unit.

We sincerely appreciate all applications and note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted directly by the hiring department or People and Culture.

Diversity Statement Dalhousie University commits to achieving inclusive excellence through continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The university encourages applications from Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island (especially Mi’kmaq), persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), and members of other racialized groups, persons with disabilities, women, persons identifying as members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community. In accordance with our Employment Equity Policy, preference will be given in hiring processes to candidates who self-identify as members of one or more of the equity-deserving groups listed above. For more information, including details related to our Employment Equity Policy and Plan and definitions of equity-deserving groups please visit www.dal.ca/hiringfordiversity

If you require any support for the purpose of accommodation, such as technical aids or alternative arrangements, please let us know of these needs and how we can be of assistance. Dalhousie University is committed to ensuring all candidates have full, fair, and equitable participation in the hiring process. Our complete Accommodation Policy can be viewed here .

Posting Detail Information

Number of Vacancies
One (1)

Open Date
03/25/2026

Close Date
04/01/2026

Open Until Filled
No

Special Instructions to Applicant

Quick Link for Direct Access to Posting
?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdal.peopleadmin.ca%2Fpostings%2F20573&module=jobs&id=61594" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdal.peopleadmin.ca%2Fpostings%2F20573&module=jobs&id=61594" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://dal.peopleadmin.ca/­postings/20573

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents

1. Résumé / Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Optional Documents

1. Cover Letter

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