Postdoctoral Associate - Disney Lab

The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology; Town of Florida (NY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology in New York is seeking a Postdoctoral Associate in RNA Chemical Biology. The ideal candidate will have a relevant Ph.D. and skills in RNA biology techniques and molecular biology.

This position focuses on developing therapeutics from genomic data, offering personalized professional development through impactful research projects. The role entails collaboration and a commitment to advancing RNA-targeted drug development.

Qualifications

• Candidates should have a relevant Ph.D. degree.
• Strong academic track record and high-impact publication list are essential.
• Experience with RNA-seq data analysis and structure-based design is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Join the Disney group in the Department of Chemistry to conduct research in RNA Chemical Biology.
• Engage in developing selective therapeutics from genomic data.
• Participate in high-impact research projects tailored to professional development.

Skills

RNA biology techniques

Molecular biology

Biochemical methods

Education

Ph.D. in structural biology, chemical biology, or organic/medicinal chemistry

Job description

Classification Title

Postdoctoral Associate

Classification Minimum Requirements

Qualified applicants should have completed a relevant Ph.D. degree in structural biology, chemical biology, or organic/medicinal chemistry.

Job Description

Effective immediately, the Disney group in the Department of Chemistry at The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology ( https://disney.scripps.ufl.edu ) is seeking to hire a Postdoctoral Associate in RNA Chemical Biology.

Lab Overview

The Disney group is a chemical biology laboratory focused on developing rational approaches to design highly selective therapeutics from only genome sequence. Known for its prolific output and pioneering research culture, the group has furthered advancements in annotating RNA structure from sequence alongside several novel technologies created in-house. The laboratory’s targeting of RNA by small molecules, an ambitious and highly focused enterprise in pursuit of chemical probe and lead medicine development, is summarized in Nature Reviews Drug Discovery (2023) 618(7963): 169–179.

Other Representative Publications From The Disney Group Include

• Studying disease mediated by RNA repeat expansions that cause genetically defined ALS and dementia: Science Translation Medicine (2021) 13:eabd5991; doi: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abd5991
• Neuron (2014) 83:1043-50; doi: 10.1016/j.neuron.2014.07.041
• Cell Chemical Biology (2019) 26:179-190; doi: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2018.10.018
• Targeted RNA degradation and related technologies: Nature Reviews Drug Discovery (2023) 618(7963): 169–179; doi: 10.1038/s41586-023-06091-8
• Journal of the American Chemical Society (2021) 143:13044-13055; doi: 10.1021/jacs.1c02248
• Science Translation Medicine (2021) 13:eabd5991; doi: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abd5991
• Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA (2020) 117:2406-2411; doi: 10.1073/pnas.1914286117
• Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA (2019) 116:7799-7804; doi: 10.1073/pnas.1901484116
• Journal of the American Chemical Society (2018) 140:6741-6744; doi: 10.1021/jacs.8b01233
• Nature Chemical Biology (2017) 13:188-193; doi: 10.1038/nchembio.225
• Precision targeted therapeutics for difficult-to-treat cancers and other diseases: Journal of the American Chemical Society (2019) 141:2960-2974; doi: 10.1021/jacs.8b10558
• Cell Chemical Biology (2018) 25:1086-1094; doi: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2018.05.01
• Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA (2016) 113:5898-903; doi: 10.1073/pnas.1523975113
• Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA (2020) 117:1457-1467; doi: 10.1073/pnas.190505711

Our Commitment

The Disney group is highly committed to each individual’s professional development during his or her time in the lab. A high impact research project and training plan to support the achievement of short-term as well as long-term career goals is customized for each student.

Expected Salary

Commensurate with experience.

Required Qualifications

Qualified applicants should have completed a relevant Ph.D. degree in structural biology, chemical biology, or organic/medicinal chemistry.

Preferred

Preference will be given to candidates with strong skills in RNA biology techniques, molecular biology, and biochemical methods. Previous experience with RNA-seq data analysis, DNA-encoded library design and screening, and structure-based design is also desirable.

Highly motivated candidates possessing a strong academic track‑record, a high‑impact publication list, a team‑player mentality, and an interest in targeting the RNA world are poised for success in the group.

The Disney group employs a broad range of experimental techniques, and thus a wide set of research skills is preferable, and a willingness to learn new methods is essential.

Special Instructions To Applicants

In order to be considered, you must upload your cover letter and resume.

The final candidate will be required to provide official transcript to the hiring department upon hire. A transcript will not be considered "official" if a designation of "Issued to Student" is visible. Degrees earned from an education institution outside of the United States are required to be evaluated by a professional credentialing service provider approved by National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES), which can be found at http://www.naces.org/ .

Please provide names and email addresses of three to five references as part of the UF application process. When ready, the hiring department will contact the listed references via email requesting their reference letters to be uploaded directly to the application website.

This position is open until filled. Application review will begin May 29, 2026.

This is a time‑limited position.

This requisition is being used to fill multiple positions.

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

The University of Florida is a member of the State University System of Florida and an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment based on merit.

Accommodations Due to Disability

If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352-392-2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800-955-8771 (TDD) or visit Accessibility at UF.

Health Assessment Required

No.