Junior Scientist II-Crystallography

Research Scientist - US, Silver Spring, MD Office-based

ICON plc is a world-leading healthcare intelligence and clinical research organization. We’re proud to foster an inclusive environment driving innovation and excellence, and we welcome you to join us on our mission to shape the future of clinical development.

We are currently seeking a Research Scientist to join our diverse and dynamic team.

Design, develop, and deliver novel small molecule antibiotics against MDR organisms of military relevance through structure-based drug design.
Identify novel small-molecule drug candidates through in silico screening of commercially available chemical databases and molecular modeling of drug candidates for enhancement.
Express, purify, and crystallize proteins for structure-based drug design and perform mass spectrometry on all products.
Develop and recommend antimicrobial drug candidates for specific targets on MDR ESKAPEE pathogens (Enterococcus species, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter cloacae, and Escherichia coli).
Draft grant proposals on structure-based drug design for submission to leadership and research steering committees.
Conduct research on projects associated with antimicrobial development such as protein expression and purification, MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) studies, animal modeling, virtual modeling of drugs bound to target proteins, etc.
Independently design experiments, make detailed observations, analyze data, interpret results, and deliver timely results.
Mentor and supervise junior scientists within the team as needed.

Clearance: NACI
Must have a Ph.D. in an appropriate discipline (e.g., microbiology, immunology, Molecular Biology, or biochemistry).
Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in protein characterization and chemistry.
Within the last year Xray Crystallography Experience
Proficiency and training in the operation of BRUKER X-Ray Diffractometers required
Experience in at least one of the following areas: druggable target identification, cloning, enzymology, protein characterization, and protein chemistry.
Strong computer skills and experience with relevant software, including MS Office and GraphPad Prism.
Experience with microbiology of Gram-negative species and antibacterial development is desired.
Demonstrated success in obtaining competitive grant funding, either individually or as a lead contributing member of a grant-winning team.
Excellent presentation and oral and written communication skills.
Ability to prioritize and work in a fast-paced and diverse environment. Contribute individually as Well as part of a highly collaborative and productive team.
Proven ability to prepare precise technical summaries and protocols and maintain appropriate documentation.

What ICON can offer you:
Our success depends on the quality of our people. That’s why we’ve made it a priority to build a diverse culture that rewards high performance and nurtures talent.

In addition to your competitive salary, ICON offers a range of additional benefits. Our benefits are designed to be competitive within each country and are focused on well-being and work life balance opportunities for you and your family.

Our benefits examples include:

• Various annual leave entitlements
• A range of health insurance offerings to suit you and your family’s needs.
• Competitive retirement planning offerings to maximize savings and plan with confidence for the years ahead.
• Global Employee Assistance Programme, LifeWorks, offering 24-hour access to a global network of over 80,000 independent specialized professionals who are there to support you and your family’s well-being.
• Life assurance
• Flexible country-specific optional benefits, including childcare vouchers, bike purchase schemes, discounted gym memberships, subsidized travel passes, health assessments, among others.

Visit our careers site to read more about the benefits ICON offers.

ICON, including subsidiaries, is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer and is committed to providing a workplace free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please let us know or submit a request here

Interested in the role, but unsure if you meet all of the requirements? We would encourage you to apply regardless – there’s every chance you’re exactly what we’re looking for here at ICON whether it is for this or other roles.

Are you a current ICON Employee? Please click here to apply