FA27-037: Post-Doctoral Fellow (2 Openings)

SIUE Credit Union; Edwardsville (IL); On-site; USD 54,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences invites two postdoctoral fellows to design and synthesize small molecules aimed at Alzheimer’s disease therapeutics. Ideal candidates will have experience in medicinal chemistry, organic synthesis, and related areas.

The role includes synthesis, purification, and characterization (NMR, LC-MS, HPLC), SAR-based lead optimization, data analysis, notebook maintenance, and presenting results at weekly meetings.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. and research experience in medicinal chemistry or related areas.
• Postdoctoral experience is advantageous.
• Experience in designing and synthesizing small molecules for brain targets.

Responsibilities

• Design and synthesize small molecules for Alzheimer’s disease therapeutics.
• Purify and characterize starting materials and products (NMR, LC-MS, HPLC).
• Develop experimental designs, SAR-based lead optimization, and data analysis.
• Maintain research notebooks and report results at weekly meetings.

Skills

Chemical synthesis

Purification

Characterization

SAR studies

Education

Ph.D. in medicinal chemistry

Tools

NMR

HPLC

Mass spectrometry

LCMS

Job description

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville: School of Pharmacy: Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Open Date

Oct 13, 2026

Salary Range or Pay Grade

$60,000 annually

Description

Type

Full-Time (2 positions)

Appointment Status

Postdoctoral Fellow (Non-Tenure Track)

As soon as possible

Department

Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Location

Edwardsville, IL., USA (St. Louis Metro Region)

Position Summary

The Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences in the School of Pharmacy, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is recruiting 2 highly motivated postdoctoral researchers. These positions focus on designing and synthesizing small molecules to support the discovery and development of therapeutics for Alzheimer’s disease.

We seek individuals with demonstrated experience in chemical synthesis, purification, and characterization of starting materials using standard techniques (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, high-pressure liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry, etc.). Successful applicants will use a deep understanding of synthetic organic chemistry to synthesize and purify small molecules targeted to the brain. Candidates will also design or modify laboratory procedures and protocols, develop experimental designs, optimize lead molecules based on structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies, gather and analyze data, maintain notebook, and effectively report results at weekly meetings.

Individuals will receive regular guidance to ensure progress is made toward their goals. The initial appointment for this position will be for 12 months, subject to performance reviews. Extensions will be available based on performance.

Research Environment and Facilities

The research program is supported by well-equipped medicinal chemistry, analytical, and molecular pharmacology facilities, providing the infrastructure required for small-molecule discovery, characterization, and biological evaluation.

• Synthetic and medicinal chemistry: Automated flash chromatography systems, preparative HPLC, microwave synthesizer, rotary evaporators, and lyophilization.
• Compound characterization and analysis: 400 MHz multi-nuclei FT-NMR, LCMS, FT-IR, UV-Vis spectroscopy, polarimetry, and gel imaging systems
• Biochemical and pharmacological evaluation: Plate readers, luminometry, scintillation and gamma counting, flow cytometry, and surface plasmon resonance.
• Cellular and molecular biology: Inverted fluorescence and confocal microscopy, cryostat facilities, and RT-qPCR.

Qualifications

Application Qualifications

Motivated applicants with a Ph.D. and research experience in medicinal chemistry, organic synthesis, or related areas are particularly encouraged to apply.

Contact for Questions

Contact for Questions

For additional information or questions about the positions, research program, or application requirements, please contact Dr. Bhargav Patel ([e-mail]).

Applicants will be subject to a background check prior to an offer of employment.

Employment is contingent upon satisfying all legal requirements as set forth by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services in regard to employability in the United States. SIUE makes no representation, warranty, or agreement that third parties, including government agencies, will approve submitted documents, applications, or petitions for an H-1B visa or Optional Practical Training.

SIUE is a state university - benefits under state sponsored plans may not be available to holders of F1 or J1 visas. The State of Illinois requires that immigrant employees achieve H-1 status before they become eligible for certain benefits.

Application Process

This institution is using Interfolio's Faculty Search to conduct this search. Applicants to this position receive a free Dossier account and can send all application materials, including confidential letters of recommendation, free of charge.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is an equal opportunity employer and thus prohibits discrimination against employees, applicants for employment and students on the basis of age, color, disability, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran's status.