Chemical Biologist

Job Family: Scientist Travel Required: None Clearance Required: Ability to Obtain Public Trust What You Will Do: We are currently searching for a Chemical Biologist to provide support services to satisfy the overall operational objectives of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). This is a full-time, on-site opportunity in Bethesda, MD. Synthesize and optimize small cyclic peptides for diagnostic imaging and early-stage drug discovery applications. Design and develop small molecules as chemical tools to support biological research, including target validation and imaging (MRI, optical, PET). Develop and implement mRNA-based peptide expression systems for cyclic peptide production. Perform peptide conjugation, including linking to fluorescent dyes, chelators, or imaging agents. Prepare and characterize antibody fragments (e.g., nanobodies, Fab2) and conjugate them for imaging applications. Conduct compound screening, synthesis, and optimization workflows. Utilize modern analytical instrumentation to characterize compounds and ensure quality. Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams in a service-oriented research environment. Document and communicate experimental results effectively through reports and presentations. What You Will Need: Ph.D. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related field with a minimum of TWO (2) years of laboratory research experience OR Master's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related field with a minimum of FOUR (4) years of laboratory research in lieu of Ph.D. Demonstrated expertise in cyclic peptide generation, screening, synthesis, and optimization. Strong background in synthetic chemistry, including small molecule and peptide synthesis. Knowledge of chemical biology approaches for drug discovery or imaging applications. Experience with or knowledge of fluorescent dyes, chelators for radioactive metals, MRI agents and nanoparticles. Must be able to obtain and maintain a Federal or DoD “public trust”; candidates must receive approved adjudication prior to onboarding with Guidehouse. Candidates with an active public trust or suitability are preferred. What Would Be Nice To Have: Ability to design and execute complex experiments independently. Excellent communication skills. Proven ability to work effectively in a collaborative, team-based environment. The annual salary range for this position is $98,000.00-$163,000.00. Compensation decisions depend on a wide range of factors, including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, security clearances, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. What We Offer: Guidehouse offers a comprehensive, total rewards package that includes competitive compensation and a flexible benefits package that reflects our commitment to creating a diverse and supportive workplace. Benefits include: Medical, Rx, Dental & Vision Insurance Personal and Family Sick Time & Company Paid Holidays Parental Leave 401(k) Retirement Plan Group Term Life and Travel Assistance Voluntary Life and AD&D Insurance Health Savings Account, Health Care & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts Transit and Parking Commuter Benefits Short-Term & Long-Term Disability Tuition Reimbursement, Personal Development, Certifications & Learning Opportunities Employee Referral Program Corporate Sponsored Events & Community Outreach Care.com annual membership Employee Assistance Program Supplemental Benefits via Corestream (Critical Care, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, Legal Assistance and ID theft protection, etc.) Position may be eligible for a discretionary variable incentive bonus About Guidehouse Guidehouse is an Equal Opportunity Employer–Protected Veterans, Individuals with Disabilities or any other basis protected by law, ordinance, or regulation. Guidehouse will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law or ordinance including the Fair Chance Ordinance of Los Angeles and San Francisco. If you have visited our website for information about employment opportunities, or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation, please contact Guidehouse Recruiting at View phone number on click.appcast.io or via email at View email address on click.appcast.io. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodation. All communication regarding recruitment for a Guidehouse position will be sent from Guidehouse email domains including @guidehouse.com or View email address on click.appcast.io. Correspondence received by an applicant from any other domain should be considered unauthorized and will not be honored by Guidehouse. Note that Guidehouse will never charge a fee or require a money transfer at any stage of the recruitment process and does not collect fees from educational institutions for participation in a recruitment event. Never provide your banking information to a third party purporting to need that information to proceed in the hiring process. If any person or organization demands money related to a job opportunity with Guidehouse, please report the matter to Guidehouse’s Ethics Hotline. If you want to check the validity of correspondence you have received, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io. Guidehouse is not responsible for losses incurred (monetary or otherwise) from an applicant’s dealings with unauthorized third parties. Guidehouse does not accept unsolicited resumes through or from search firms or staffing agencies. All unsolicited resumes will be considered the property of Guidehouse and Guidehouse will not be obligated to pay a placement fee. Guidehouse is a global AI-led professional services firm delivering advisory, technology, and managed services to the commercial and government sectors. With an integrated business technology approach, Guidehouse drives efficiency and resilience in the healthcare, financial services, energy, infrastructure, and national security markets. Built to help clients across industries outwit complexity, the firm brings together approximately 18,000 professionals to achieve lasting impact and shape a meaningful future. guidehouse.com