Postdoc: Drug Discovery & Molecular Glue Chemistry

Virginia Correctional Enterprises; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 61,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Virginia Hassan Laboratory invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow to join an interdisciplinary program at the interface of synthetic organic chemistry, chemical biology, and drug discovery. The successful candidate will design and synthesize complex small molecules and collaborate with biochemists, molecular biologists, and computational scientists.

Anticipated salary range is $61,000 - $64,000 commensurate with experience.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, or a closely related discipline by the start date.
• Demonstrated expertise in multistep synthetic organic chemistry, with a strong preference for total synthesis, natural product synthesis, or synthetic methodology development.
• Proven ability to independently design synthetic routes, optimize challenging reactions, and solve complex synthetic problems.
• Strong proficiency in modern purification and analytical techniques, including chromatography, NMR spectroscopy, LC-MS, and HRMS.
• Experience with air- and moisture-sensitive chemistry (Schlenk techniques and/or glovebox operations) is desirable.
• A strong publication record demonstrating scientific productivity and innovation.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including manuscript preparation, grant/fellowship writing, and presentation of research findings.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a collaborative, multidisciplinary research environment.
• Experience in medicinal chemistry, SAR studies, computational molecular design, or small-molecule drug discovery is considered an asset.
• Experience mentoring graduate or undergraduate researchers is desirable.
• A commitment to scientific excellence, collaboration, and fostering an inclusive and supportive research environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and synthesis of structurally complex small molecules.
• Develop innovative synthetic strategies to access novel chemical space.
• Collaborate closely with biochemists, molecular and cancer biologists, structural biologists, and computational scientists to advance projects from chemical design through biological evaluation.
• Contribute to high-impact, multidisciplinary research while developing an independent research profile.

Skills

Multistep synthesis

Independent design

Purification & analysis

Air/moisture-sensitive chemistry

Scientific writing

Team collaboration

Medicinal chemistry experience

SAR / computational design

Education

PhD in Organic/Medicinal Chemistry

Tools

NMR spectroscopy

LC-MS / HRMS

Chromatography

Glovebox / Schlenk

Job description

The University of Virginia Hassan Laboratory invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow to join an interdisciplinary program at the interface of synthetic organic chemistry, chemical biology, and drug discovery. The successful candidate will design and synthesize complex small molecules and collaborate with biochemists, molecular biologists, and computational scientists.

Anticipated salary range is $61,000 - $64,000 commensurate with experience.