Research Technician (Medicinal Chemist)
Top Benefits
About the role
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.
-
Performin-silicocalculations 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.
-
Performenzyme kineticexperiments 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’scoreandleadershipcompetencies, 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 visitwww.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 viewedhere.
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
Not the right fit? Search for Research Technician jobs in Halifax, NS
About Dalhousie University
One of Canada's leading universities, Dalhousie University is widely recognized for outstanding academic quality and teaching, and a broad range of educational and research opportunities.
Located in Halifax and Truro, Nova Scotia, Dalhousie attracts students from around the world. Since 1818, we've been inspiring students, faculty, staff, and graduates to make significant contributions to our region, Canada, and the world.
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Research Technician (Medicinal Chemist)
Top Benefits
About the role
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.
-
Performin-silicocalculations 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.
-
Performenzyme kineticexperiments 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’scoreandleadershipcompetencies, 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 visitwww.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 viewedhere.
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
Not the right fit? Search for Research Technician jobs in Halifax, NS
About Dalhousie University
One of Canada's leading universities, Dalhousie University is widely recognized for outstanding academic quality and teaching, and a broad range of educational and research opportunities.
Located in Halifax and Truro, Nova Scotia, Dalhousie attracts students from around the world. Since 1818, we've been inspiring students, faculty, staff, and graduates to make significant contributions to our region, Canada, and the world.