RESEARCH TECHNICIAN IN ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
ONE POSITION IS AVAILABLE
Position Title: Technician (Técnico Titular A).
Employment Status: Full-Time, 12 months. The appointment is renewable depending
upon performance and funding. After three years, candidates can apply for tenure.
General Description: The successful candidate will provide technical support for research
on the isolation and identification of organic molecules from natural sources derived from
Mexico’s enormous natural biodiversity. The identification and characterization of these
compounds should find potential applications in medicine, food science, cosmetics,
renewable energies, agriculture and industrial uses such as the development of novel
formulations for paints, polymers, etc. These lines of research will involve extensive
collaboration/team working with other members of the Biomimic cluster in trans-disciplinary
projects focused on aspects of Mexico’s most pressing environmental, social and
development issues.
Responsibilities:
Help generate research at the cutting edge of knowledge.
The candidate will be capable of using analytical and characterization techniques
required in the isolation, identification and characterization of organic molecules with
industrial and/or medical applications.
Provide technical support in the study of organic molecules derived from or inspired by
compounds isolated from plants and microorganisms (in collaboration with an
environmental microbiologist).
Collaborate in the synthesis of novel molecules from naturally-derived precursors to
enhance specific physical or bioactive attributes.
The successful candidate will collaborate extensively with researchers of the Biomimic
cluster, both in providing technical support in organic chemistry to the Biomimic
community and by participation in collaborative studies.
Innovation or improvement in techniques related to the collection, processing and
presentation of results.
Design of experimental systems and equipment to meet the needs of specific
research problems.
The development of operational guidelines for the maintenance, operation and
calibration of specific laboratory equipment.
Writing of technical reports describing methods, procedures and results of studies
performed.
Solid knowledge of statistics applied to chemistry or other pertinent fields.
Development of computer programs and procedures when necessary.
Maintain the laboratory equipment in optimal working condition and compete for
national and international funding to update and extend the range of equipment as
necessary.
Assist in training Master's and Doctorate students at INECOL, CIMAV, CIQA, CICY,
LANGEBIO and CINVESTAV Irapuato.
Provide technical support for the development of graduate student projects.
Supervise undergraduate student projects.
Collaboration in the technical aspects of publications in high quality scientific journals
and popular magazines intended for the general public.
Help write patents.
Help recruit talents for science and technology among primary, secondary and high
school students.
Qualifications:
Master’s degree in organic chemistry.
At least 3 years of experience in area of expertise.
Experience in the isolation and identification of organic molecules of natural origin
(especially plants and/or microorganisms).
Evidence of abilities in organic synthesis and elucidating reaction mechanisms.
Experience in the use of analytical tools such as GC-MS, HPLC, FT-IR, NMR,
RAMAN, X-ray diffraction.
Practical knowledge of distillation techniques under varying conditions.
Reading and writing in English, is required.
Solid knowledge of statistics.
Experience living and working in Latin America is desirable but not essential.
Excellent interpersonal and multitasking skills, ability to negotiate, to deal with
pressure, complex situations and stress.
Ability to work with the private sector as well as government agencies.
Skills in constructing and working in multidisciplinary teams, especially in providing
technical services related to the production and handling of GC-MS, FT-IR, NMR,
RAMAN, X-ray diffraction, HPLC as part of multidisciplinary projects.
Work outside of regular business hours, including weekends and travel is occasionally
required.
A spirit of collaboration/team working and service to society.
A driving license.
Interested candidates from Mexico and elsewhere in the entire world should send their
updated Curriculum Vitae and additional support material of particular value for members
of the Search Committee (e.g., citation record, relevant awards, narrative of particular
achievements or contributions to science) to Dr. Guillermo Angeles, Secretario Académico
at secretaria.academica@inecol.edu.mx always cc’ing maluja.dirgral@inecol.edu.mx.
Three letters of recommendation are needed as well as the e-mail addresses and
telephones of three established scientists/professors that have agreed to be interviewed
on the candidate’s strengths and weaknesses. An additional letter by the candidate
expressing interest in the job, explaining how exactly her/his training/experience fits the job
description, and expressing her/his willingness to strictly adhere to the principles of
collaboration, team working, networking and scientific integrity is also needed. Any
questions should be addressed to Dr. Guillermo Angeles.