Intern, Drug Discovery
COMPANY
At BioCryst, we are passionate about advancing novel therapeutics for patients with rare and serious diseases. Our structure-guided drug design process leads us to the discovery and development of novel small-molecule drugs. We integrate traditional biology and medicinal chemistry along with a wide array of advanced technologies to understand the three-dimensional structures of active sites of target enzymes. Our scientists then design molecular structures to create bespoke drugs for patients. We focus on therapeutic areas with either no available treatments or large unmet patient needs. BioCryst’s US headquarters are located in Durham, North Carolina, our European headquarters in Dublin, Ireland and our Discovery Center of Excellence in Birmingham, Alabama. We are proud of our culture of engagement and accountability that rewards people for innovative thinking and achievement of key objectives. For more information, please visit the company’s website at www.biocryst.com.
JOB SUMMARY
As a BioCryst Intern, you will function as a fully integrated member of our chemistry drug discovery team. Interns will have a 10-week summer research experience as a key member of the chemistry drug discovery team. The experience will include developing expertise in chemical lab technique and in instrumentation for purification and characterization. Interns will contribute meaningfully to their teams through challenging assignments and have the opportunity to collaborate with other functional groups within discovery chemistry departments. This individual should bring energy every day and be eager to work collaboratively as we make hope a reality for patients with rare and orphan diseases. This position is for an undergraduate or graduate student interested in pursuing a career in Biotech or an advanced degree in Chemistry.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Understanding and learning the principals and procedures to work safely in a chemistry lab.
- Perform bench chemistry targeting the application of chemistry methodology and multi-step organic synthetic sequences to synthesize a desired novel, drug-like, small organic molecules
- Perform isolation and purification of reaction products using column chromatography crystallization or distillation.
- Perform characterization of reaction products using various instrumentation such as LC/MS, NMR, optical rotation and other biophysical characterization methods
- Complete all procedures performed in a lab notebook and maintain proper documentation of all samples for which analytical data is required on a day-to-day basis.
- Learning how to search the chemical literature to perform day to day activities.
- Collaborate with other discovery group team members to complete required tasks, including Biology and life science group
- The candidates who are considered for full-time hire demonstrate a desire to learn and make an impact on the biopharma industry.
EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS
- Currently enrolled in an accredited program and have completed at least one year of undergraduate studies by start date and have taken two semesters of organic chemistry and lab courses
- Strong academic performance (a minimum 3.0 GPA preferred)
- Be legally authorized to work in the U.S.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
- Great multi-tasking and organizational skills
- Self-starter who can work independently
- Ability to be flexible and adjust quickly as priorities change
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
- Must be available to work 30 hours/week during the period of the summer internship
- Must be able to report to the office in Birmingham, AL.
The statements in this position description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. The manager may assign additional responsibilities and assignments from time to time.
BioCryst is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities without regard to age, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, Veterans status, disability and/or other protected class characteristics. Additionally, BioCryst is committed to achieving its business objectives in compliance with all federal, state and local law.
BioCryst requires all U.S. based employees to either (a) establish that they have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19; or (b) obtain an approved exemption as an accommodation. Proof of vaccination or an approved exemption form is required after a conditional job offer has been made to the applicant and prior to the start date. This requirement is a condition of employment at BioCryst, and it applies regardless of whether the position is located at a physical BioCryst location or is fully remote.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)