Postdoctoral Scholar-Pharmaceutical Sciences
University of Tennessee at Martin
Salary undisclosed
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Description
Design and develop novel synthetic methodologies, with an emphasis on photoredox catalysis, fluorination strategies, and modern catalytic approaches relevant to medicinal chemistry.
Apply these methods toward the synthesis of small bioactive molecules targeting infectious diseases.
Independently design research strategies, plan and execute experiments, analyze and interpret data, and solve complex synthetic challenges.
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across chemistry, biology, and computational sciences.
Maintain accurate and detailed electronic laboratory notebooks documenting all research activities.
Present findings in group meetings, collaborative discussions, and national/international conferences.
Lead and contribute to high-impact peer-reviewed publications.
Contribute to grant applications and reports.
Participate in laboratory operations, including equipment maintenance and adherence to safety protocols.
Mentor and supervise graduate students and junior researchers working on related projects.
Qualifications
EDUCATION: Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, or a closely related discipline.
EXPERIENCE: Strong background in synthetic organic chemistry, including reaction design and multi-step synthesis. Demonstrated research productivity with first-author publications in peer-reviewed journals. Hands-on experience with modern synthetic techniques and standard characterization methods (e.g., LC/MS, NMR, chromatography).
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
- Ability to design, execute, and troubleshoot experiments independently
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present scientific data clearly.
- Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary research environment.
- Commitment to maintaining accurate and detailed experimental records (electronic lab notebook systems).
PREFERRED:
Experience in photoredox catalysis and/or fluorination strategies.
Background in medicinal chemistry, chemical biology, or drug discovery.
Familiarity with structure-based drug design, molecular modeling, or computational chemistry approaches.
Experience in setting up and optimizing biochemical and/or cell-based assays, including antimicrobial assays (e.g., MIC determination, enzyme inhibition).
Demonstrated ability to translate synthetic efforts into biologically relevant outcomes (e.g., SAR development, hit-to-lead optimization, or mechanism-of-action studies).
About this role
This postdoctoral position centers on developing novel synthetic methods—particularly photoredox catalysis and fluorination strategies—and applying them to create small molecules for infectious disease research. You would work independently to design and execute experiments, troubleshoot synthetic challenges, and interpret results, while also contributing to a multidisciplinary team that bridges chemistry, biology, and computational work. The role expects you to maintain rigorous experimental documentation, present at conferences, author peer-reviewed publications, and support grant efforts.
You'll need a Ph.D. in organic or medicinal chemistry and a solid track record of hands-on synthetic work with modern techniques and standard characterization methods. First-author publications and demonstrated research productivity are essential. Beyond technical competence, the position values clear communication, independent problem-solving, and the ability to collaborate across disciplines. If you have prior experience in photoredox catalysis, fluorination, medicinal chemistry, or translating synthetic work into biological outcomes—such as structure-activity relationship studies or antimicrobial assays—you'd be well-positioned for this role. You would also mentor graduate students and junior researchers as part of your responsibilities.
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