USAN chemical consultant
The United States Adopted Names (USAN) Program is seeking a chemical consultant to provide expert review of chemical information in USAN small molecule and biologics submissions.
Responsibilities
- The chemical consultant will work as an independent contractor on a per-review basis. Responsibilities include the following:
- Review substances including small molecule drugs, monoclonal antibodies, other proteins, peptides, DNA-based substances, and cell and gene therapies.
- Ensure that the chemical information in USAN adoption statements is accurate and consistent.
- Verify that information retrieved from the CAS database by USAN staff is consistent with the chemical information submitted by the firm.
- Generate sequence and structure information for publication and assign an IUPAC name or systematic description for each substance.
- Calculate molecular formulas and molecular weights, when applicable.
- Evaluate requests from firms to correct information in USAN adoption statements, as needed.
Note: This is a part-time consulting opportunity rather than a full-time position. Recently retired molecular biologists, medicinal chemists, organic chemists, or biochemists with an MS or PhD, as well as other qualified applicants seeking part-time work, are encouraged to apply.
Eligibility
Applicants must be knowledgeable about nomenclature conventions for the substances under review. Because information submitted by firms is confidential, applicants must not be actively associated with an organization that could create a conflict of interest or compromise confidentiality.
The consultant must be able to use ChemDraw or ChemOffice to review these substances. USAN can provide the required software license.
About USAN
The USAN Program selects unique, informative, and globally aligned nonproprietary (generic) names for pharmaceutical substances in the United States. In collaboration with pharmaceutical sponsors, scientific experts, regulatory stakeholders, and the USAN Council, the program helps ensure that drug names support patient safety, facilitate clear communication among healthcare professionals, and convey meaningful information about a drug’s pharmacologic characteristics. By establishing standardized names used in research, regulation, prescribing, and healthcare delivery, the program plays a critical role throughout the development and lifecycle of innovative therapies.
Application information
To apply or request additional information, contact Dr. Gail Karet, USAN senior scientist, at [email protected], or Amy B. Cadwallader, USAN program director, at [email protected].
