New

Assistant Director SPVR

Rutgers University

life insurance, employee discount

United States, New Jersey, New Brunswick

May 07, 2026

Position Details

Position Information

Recruitment/Posting Title	Assistant Director SPVR
Job Category	Staff & Executive - Research (Laboratory/Non-Laboratory)
Department	Operations
Overview	Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is a leading national research university and the State of New Jersey's preeminent, comprehensive public institution of higher education. As one of the largest employers in the State of New Jersey, Rutgers University is committed not only to the students and the State that we serve, but also to the faculty and staff who work on our campuses. For two consecutive years, Rutgers is ranked on Forbes' list of America's Best Large Employers. Rutgers holds #64 of 500 employers and is the #1 New Jersey employer on the publication's 2023 list. Rutgers' commitment to its employees includes maintaining and fostering a safe, diverse, and respectful workplace environment, creating employment opportunities for our nation's military veterans, and ensuring accessibility and accommodation for individuals with disabilities.
Posting Summary	Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking an Assistant Director SPVR for the Office of Research. The Office for Research's mission is to support the research, scholarship, and creative endeavors of all Rutgers faculty. The Office accomplishes its mission by convening with academic and research leaders, providing integrated, user-focused resources, services, and tools, and partnering with faculty. Among the key duties of this position are the following: Drives the design, synthesis, and optimization of small molecules as molecular probes and targeted therapeutics. Spearheads Modern Structure-Based Drug Design (SBDD) and Fragment-Based Drug Discovery (FBDD). Leverages the university's significant technological investments-including the Amarel computing cluster (CPU and GPU cores)-to operate advanced computer-assisted drug discovery (CADD) platforms such as Schrodinger and BioSolveIT. Integrates AI docking, property calculations and selectivity predictions to rapidly advance major funded drug discovery programs. Secures federal, state, and foundational research funding (e.g., NIH, NJHF, CSIT). Performs as a collaborative scientific partner, often serving as co-Principal Investigator or co-Investigator-for both internal Rutgers faculty and external industrial/biotech researchers. Generates critical preliminary data, interpreting complex structure-activity relationships (SAR), and directly co-authoring high-impact scientific publications and research proposals. Provides vital intellectual contributions toward patent applications, IP strategy, and the development of biotech spin-off companies. Supervises and mentors Research Specialists. Oversees external contract research organizations (CROs). Leads cross-functional research subgroups to seamlessly translate virtual molecular concepts into tangible clinical realities to ensure the successful execution of these complex deliverables.
FLSA	Exempt
Grade	07
Salary Details
Minimum Salary	94492.000
Mid Range Salary	119604.000
Maximum Salary	144715.000
Offer Information	The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate's qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university's broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.
Benefits	Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include: Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable) Life insurance coverage Employee discount programs
Position Status	Full Time
Working Hours
Standard Hours	37.50
Daily Work Shift	Day
Work Arrangement	This position requires a fully on-site work arrangement.
Union Description	Admin Assembly (MPSC)
Payroll Designation	PeopleSoft
Seniority Unit
Terms of Appointment	Staff - 12 month
Position Pension Eligibility	ABP

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience	M.Sc. with 5 years of pharmaceutical experiences in drug discovery and a proficiency in small molecule synthesis skills and data analysis.
Certifications/Licenses
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities	Ability to lead drug discovery programs. Ability to successfully collaborate with faculty and external researchers. Proficient in the use of Word, Excel & PowerPoint Software packages. Proficiency in the use of statistical evaluation packages, such as PRISM. Outstanding communication skills with demonstrated ability to make effective presentations in a broad range of settings. Strong collaboration and organizational skills. Proficiency in the use of advanced molecular design suites such as Schrodinger or MOE. Knowledge of medicinal chemistry and chemical biology, medical terminology, chemistry, Good Lab Practices, Standard Operating Procedures, drug discovery and safety testing at a level normally acquired through a bachelor's degree and experience in a pharmaceutical company and/or molecular design and synthesis laboratory. Supervisory experience needed to manage others.
Preferred Qualifications	PhD degree and/or 10 years' experience in pharmaceutical industry and experience leading drug discovery projects. Hands-on experience with Schrodinger Drug Discovery Suite. Experience with coordinating work with contract research organizations. Experience in Computer Assisted Drug Design and machine learning.
Equipment Utilized	Schrodinger or MOE suite, advance NMR (multinuclear 1D and 2D, Bruker/Varian). LC-MS, HPLC automated purifications (Flash, preparative HPLC), Microwave reactor, Parr Hydrogenation
Physical Demands and Work Environment	Laboratory environment. Need to wear Personal Protection Equipment (PPE: gloves, masks, gowns, etc.) which might be restrictive. Working in a fume hood which requires standing or adapted chair. Will be working with bioactive, toxic, volatile, and caustic chemicals.
Special Conditions

Posting Details

Posting Number	26ST0964
Posting Open Date	05/07/2026
Special Instructions to Applicants
Regional Campus	Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Home Location Campus	Busch (RU-New Brunswick)
City	Piscataway
State	NJ
Location Details

Pre-employment Screenings

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.

Immunization Requirements

Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate's offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement