Research Scientist and Managing Director - Carl R. Woese Institute Genomic Biology

Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology – Alma Therapeutics is a public‑private partnership between the University of Illinois at Urbana‑Champaign (UIUC) and Deerfield Management in NY. The mission is to translate breakthrough science performed at UIUC into new therapeutics for a wide range of medical needs.

Alma Therapeutics leverages resources and infrastructure across UIUC campus, including the first‑of‑its‑kind Molecule Maker Lab (MML) and the Interdisciplinary Research Institute (IGB). The IGB seeks to advance life‑science research, engage the public, and stimulate bio‑economic development in Illinois.

The Research Scientist and Managing Director will combine scientific expertise in medicinal chemistry with leadership to advance drug discovery at Illinois.

• Conduct research to identify and evaluate efficacy of compounds for translational drug development.
• Collaborate with faculty, post‑docs, and students to conceptualize scientific projects related to drug discovery.
• Oversee project performance of trainees and junior staff, advising on best practices in protocol development, experiment execution, data analysis, and presentation of results.
• Create scientific presentations and publish results in meetings, conferences, and publications.
• Identify opportunities to grow the research portfolio and advance collaborative drug discovery.
• Contribute to strategic planning and implementation of partnership goals with Alma Therapeutics.
• Serve as campus liaison for Alma Therapeutics and work with Director Martin Burke.
• Conceptualize and conduct workshops to invite faculty and staff to apply for proposals.
• Organize and prepare materials on the Alma Therapeutics partnership for presentation to leadership at Illinois and Deerfield.
• Foster collaborations within the university and with external entities to promote drug discovery and development.
• Represent the partnership and success stories at regional and national conferences.
• Cultivate relationships across academia, industry, and government to develop new partnerships.
• Liaise with the Office of Technology Management on intellectual property developed by projects funded by the partnership.

• Ph.D. in Chemistry with specialization in medicinal chemistry and drug discovery.
• Experience in early‑stage drug discovery and development.

• Two or more years of experience in a research setting, including academia or industry beyond graduate education.
• Documented record of excellent performance in recent professional appointments, evidenced by successful project execution, leadership responsibilities, and sustained research contributions.
• Strong track record of scientific publications and meaningful participation in successful grant writing, supported by three favorable letters of recommendation.

• Hands‑on experience in early‑stage discovery in drug design and development.
• Ability to work with diverse stakeholder teams and coordinate projects across multiple departments.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to motivate others and champion initiatives.
• Problem‑solving skills and adaptability to varied work styles and backgrounds.
• Effective communication skills for crafting presentations, writing reports, and conducting workshops to encourage collaborative proposals.

• 100% full‑time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12‑month basis.
• Expected start date: as soon as possible after 4/1/2026.
• Salary range: $75,000 – $85,000, subject to market data, internal equity, and budget.
• Eligible for work‑authorization sponsorship, excluding new H1B petitions that would incur the $100,000 fee.

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on March 9, 2026. Submit through (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). applications not submitted through this site will not be considered.

For additional information, contact Jana Lenz at janalenz or 217‑333‑2137.

Eligible for health, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement plan, paid time off, and tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

The University of Illinois System is an equal‑opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status. We comply with applicable state and federal employment mandates. Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process, but all employment decisions will be made by a person.

Requisition  | Job Category:
Research | Apply at: .edu