Lead, Cost Modeling Scientist - Medicines for All

Job no:
Work type: Staff
Location: MCV Main Campus
Categories: Research

Job Summary

As a Lead, Cost Modeling Scientist, you will work within an experienced team in a fast-paced environment and contribute to leading-edge research and analyses. Under the direction of the Director of Process Economics and Market Intelligence, this role handles the following key responsibilities in alignment with M4ALL's technical and economic objectives:

Techno-Economic Modeling

• Prepare material balances, chemical raw material cost estimates, and green chemistry metrics for baseline and proposed API manufacturing routes.
• Drive continuous improvement of cost-modeling tools and frameworks to enhance efficiency, transparency, and usability across the Institute.
• Evaluate alternative synthetic routes and provide strategic recommendations to project teams and leadership on cost saving opportunities and risk tradeoffs.
• Ensure all technoeconomic analyses meet or exceed expectations for technical quality, reliability, and timeliness, and proactively identify risks to deliverables.

Data Management & Analysis

• Manage the development, accuracy, and governance of raw material databases, ensuring data integrity, traceability, and alignment with modeling needs.
• Establish standards and best practices for data management within the Process Economics function.
• Lead complex or high-impact analyses and guide the team in generating actionable insights for strategic and operational decision-making.
• Partner with internal stakeholders to anticipate data needs and ensure analytical readiness for emerging priorities.

Collaboration & Project Support

• Serve as an advisor to project teams, providing strategic input on process changes, development decisions, and cost implications across the lifecycle of each drug target.
• Facilitate alignment between technical teams and leadership by translating economic findings into clear, decision-ready recommendations for both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Represent the Process Economics function in cross-functional discussions, ensuring economic considerations are integrated early and consistently.
• Provide guidance, mentorship, and informal leadership to junior analysts and researchers supporting techno-economic work.

Continuous Improvement

• Lead the development and refinement of internal tools, templates, and methodologies that strengthen the institute's techno-economic capabilities.
• Identify and implement opportunities to streamline workflows, improve data quality, and enhance the overall efficiency of the Process Economics function.
• Ensure all work complies with federal, state, and local regulations, and proactively monitor emerging regulatory or market trends that may impact economic modeling.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications

• Education: Ph.D. or Master's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Computational Chemistry, Data Science, Biology, or a closely related field
  • Candidates with a Bachelor's degree and 4-5+ years of progressively responsible experience in process economics, chemical process development, or related areas will also be considered.
  • Candidates with a combination of education and substantial amount of progressive, relevant experience will also be considered.
• Strong foundational knowledge of Organic chemistry and the ability to evaluate synthetic routes from both a technical and economic perspective.
• Demonstrated experience leading or overseeing techno-economic evaluations, including the ability to assess multiple chemical processes and guide teams toward cost-effective, scalable options.
• Ability to do process mapping, unit operation and cycle time of chemical processes.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and related analytical tools, with the ability to design, audit, and improve complex cost models involving material, labor, equipment, and process-level assumptions.
• Exceptional written communication skills, with experience preparing decision-ready reports and recommendations for technical teams and leadership.
• High proficiency with spreadsheets (Excel, Google Sheets, Smartsheet), ChemDraw, MS Office, and Google Drive, with the ability to guide others in best practices. Previous experience with techno economic analysis or chemical route analysis is a plus but not required.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey information clearly to diverse audiences.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and reasoning abilities, with the capacity to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.
• Highly motivated, self-directed, innovative, and able to work independently.
• Ability to manage and analyze large datasets with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong collaboration skills and the ability to work effectively with researchers and cross-functional teams, while demonstrating behaviors aligned with M4ALL's core values and organizational culture.
• Demonstrated ability to learn new concepts quickly and adapt to evolving project needs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing and process development of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).
• Experience in chemical process development, route scouting, and scale-up is preferred.
• Experience with data analysis tools (e.g., Python, R, Scikit-learn, PyTorch, etc.) is a plus.

Additional Details

Salary Range: The annual salary for this position is up to $125,000, with the final compensation determined based on the selected candidate's unique qualifications, experience, and skills.

Benefits: All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU's robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave, generous tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more.

Reporting Structure: This role reports to the Director of Process Economics & Market Intelligence and embodies everyday leadership, with an expectation to lead through actions, discussions, decisions, and interactions. As a role model within the organization, you will influence others by consistently demonstrating the values and behaviors that drive our mission forward.

Work Environment: Upon hire, the workstation will be located at the VA Bio+Tech Park and may occasionally require travel within the greater Richmond area. Since M4ALL's inception in 2017, we have received significant financial support from a diverse portfolio of major donors. This position is grant-funded, with continued employment contingent upon ongoing funding.

FLSA Exemption Status: Exempt

Hours per Week: Minimum of 40 hours/week; Monday - Friday (day shift)

Restricted Position: Yes, continued employment is contingent upon funding

ORP Eligible: Yes

Flexible Work Arrangement: Yes - This role is hybrid, with the expectation of being fully onsite during the initial training period to ensure a strong foundation and smooth onboarding. Hybrid flexibility will be available once core competencies are met and the employee is working independently.

University Job Title: Scientist, RS - OPEN

Eligible for sponsorship (e.g. H-IB visa status, etc.): No, applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future visa or permanent residence sponsorship. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Contact: [email protected]

Advertised: 17 Sep 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close:

Whatsapp Facebook LinkedIn Email App