Post Doctoral Research Fellow

ACS; Boise, Northern (ID, KY); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Boise State University in Boise, ID, seeks a Post Doctoral Research Fellow to join the Nagarajan Lab. The role explores the molecular basis of enzyme function and antimicrobial strategies using protein biochemistry, kinetics, and chemoenzymatic synthesis.

The candidate will gain hands-on experience with kinetic analyses, Schrödinger docking, and state‑of‑the‑art biophysical instrumentation. Start date is January 2027, with flexibility based on circumstances.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree in a relevant discipline is required.
• Experience with enzymology, protein purification and enzyme assays preferred.
• Strong scientific writing and data documentation skills required.

Responsibilities

• Expertise in protein purification and characterization.
• Conduct enzyme and protein-binding assays as part of project goals.
• Work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Prepare manuscripts and contribute to scientific writing.
• Train and mentor students and junior researchers in the lab.
• Maintain thorough documentation and data-management practices.

Skills

Enzymology

Microbial handling

Bioassays

Scientific writing

Project management

Mentoring

Education

Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree

Tools

Schrödinger docking

Schrödinger software

Job description

Post Doctoral Research Fellow

Boise State University

Job no: 499644

Work type: Non-Classified/Professional

Location: Boise, ID

Categories: Research,College of Arts & Sciences,Mid-Level

Join the Nagarajan Lab to investigate the molecular basis of enzyme function and contribute to the development of novel antimicrobials. This postdoctoral position integrates protein biochemistry, enzyme kinetics, and small-molecule synthesis to explore how bacteria communicate, acquire nutrients, and cause disease-and to translate these insights into new antimicrobial strategies. The successful candidate will gain hands-on experience in steady-state and fast-reaction kinetics, chemoenzymatic synthesis, molecular docking, and state-of-the-art biophysical instrumentation. Experience with Schrödinger software is desirable.

This position will begin in Jan 2027, but an earlier or later start date is possible depending on the applicant circumstance. This position will remain open until filled. Review of applications will begin Sep 18th, 2026.

Department Overview

The Post Doctoral Fellow will work with Dr. Rajesh Nagarajan and his research group in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. The department supports 12 research active tenure-track faculty, 6 teaching and research faculty, and 5 postdoctoral fellows. Faculty members in the Chemistry Department conduct research in areas such as medicinal chemistry & medical devices, protein biochemistry, enzymology, bioinorganic chemistry, computational chemistry, prebiotic chemistry, molecular spectroscopy, and materials chemistry. Our faculty members participate and mentor Ph.D. graduate students in transdisciplinary programs including Materials Science and Engineering, Biomolecular Sciences, Biomedical Engineering and Computing.

The Nagarajan Laboratory provides access to a broad range of instrumentation for biochemical and biophysical studies, including a Bio-Rad NGC FPLC system, Thermo Scientific UltiMate 3000 HPLC, Agilent 1290 Biocompatible HPLC, Applied Photophysics SX20 stopped-flow spectrometer, FluoroMax-4C spectrofluorometer, and BioTek multimode plate readers. The post-doctoral fellow will also have access to shared instrumentation within the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Department of Biological Sciences, and the Boise State Biomolecular Research Center. These resources include Bruker maXis Q-TOF mass spectrometry, Bruker 600 MHz NMR spectroscopy, MALDI mass spectrometry with imaging capabilities, Agilent 6470 triple-quadrupole LC-MS systems, isothermal titration calorimetry, advanced plate readers, and microscopy facilities.

Level Scope

After earning a Ph.D., the next step in the academic or research career path is often a postdoc. A postdoc is a continuation of a researcher's training that enables them to further their professional development and start to transition from student to independent researcher. Postdocs also often take additional leadership or teaching responsibilities in their laboratory or department. These positions are usually two to three years and it is not unusual for a researcher to do more than one postdoc.

Essential Functions

• Expertise and hands-on experience in protein purification.
• Experience in conducting enzyme assays and/or protein-binding assays.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member.
• Demonstrated proficiency in scientific writing skills such as preparation of manuscripts.
• Strong work ethic and commitment to becoming an independent scientist.
• Excellent analytical and organizational skills.
• Assist in training and supervising students and other research personnel in the PI's laboratory.
• Maintain accurate and thorough documentation of research data in accordance with applicable data-management protocols.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Excellent teamwork and communication skills.
• Strong commitment to research integrity, laboratory safety, and ethical conduct.
• Scientific writing skills demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications.
• Ability to acquire accurate, reproducible data.
• Excellent project and time management skills.
• Strong interpersonal and mentoring skills.

Minimum Qualifications

Requires a minimum of a Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree in a relevant discipline.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong background in enzymology and mechanism of action studies.
• Experience handling microbes and bioassays.
• Experience in Schrodinger molecular docking, simulation and small molecule drug discovery packages.
• Experience in small molecule synthesis.
• Design and synthesis of small-molecule chemical probes.
• Experience working with acyl carrier proteins or lipid biosynthesis pathways is a plus.

Physical Demands

This position is generally in a normal indoor office setting with minimal noise levels and may involve bending, moving, lifting, and carrying materials that weigh up to 15 pounds.

Salary and Benefits

Salary range is $55,057.60 to $60,000 annually and is commensurate with experience. Boise State University provides a best-in-class benefits package, including (but not limited to):

• 12 paid holidays AND the University is closed between Christmas and New Year's (requires use of 3 vacation days)
• Between 12-24 annual paid vacation days for full-time Professional and Classified staff depending on position type and years of service
• 10.76% University contribution to your ORP retirement fund (Professional and Faculty employees)
• 11.96% University contribution to your PERSI retirement fund (Classified employees)
• Excellent medical, dental and other health-related insurance coverages
• Tuition fee waiver benefits for employees, spouses and their dependents
• See our full benefits page for more information!

Required Application Materials

Cover Letter stating your interest in this position with a brief overview of your background and qualifications.

Professional CV.

Names and contact information for 3 professional references.

About Us

Nestled along the Boise River and steps from the state capitol, Boise State University fosters a vibrant and welcoming academic environment that fuels student and employee success. We're a trailblazing institution, nationally recognized for our innovative spirit and commitment to positive impact on Idaho and beyond.

We're building a thriving community of faculty and staff whose unique skills, experiences, and perspectives come together to create a rich and rewarding academic experience. Applications from all backgrounds are welcomed.

Learn more about Boise State and living in Idaho's Treasure Valley at https://www.boisestate.edu/about/