Postdoctoral Associate - Disney Lab

Palm Beach North Chamber; Town of Florida (NY); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Palm Beach North Chamber is seeking a Postdoctoral Associate in RNA Chemical Biology. The successful candidate will conduct high-impact research, develop key techniques in RNA biology, and work collaboratively in a cutting-edge laboratory focused on innovative therapeutic design.

Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in a relevant field, having strong skills in molecular biology and a willingness to engage in team-based projects. The position offers competitive compensation based on experience.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. required in relevant scientific field.
• Strong skills in RNA biology techniques, molecular biology, and biochemical methods.
• Experience with RNA‑seq data analysis and structure-based design.

Responsibilities

• Conduct high-impact research in RNA Chemical Biology.
• Develop and implement customized training plans.
• Contribute to collaborative projects in a team environment.

Skills

RNA biology techniques

Molecular biology

Biochemical methods

RNA‑seq data analysis

Team-player mentality

Education

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

Job description

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 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.

Representative Publications

• Science Translational Medicine (2021) 13:eabd5991; doi:10.1126/scitranslmed.abd5991
• Neuron (2014) 83:1043-1049; doi:10.1016/j.neuron.2014.07.041
• Cell Chemical Biology (2019) 26:179-190; doi:10.1016/j.chembiol.2018.10.018
• 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 Translational 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
• 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) 113:5898-5903; doi:10.1073/pnas.1523975113
• Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA (2020) 117:1457-1467; doi:10.1073/pnas.190505711

Commitment to Professional Development

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

Compensation

Salary commensurate with experience.

Required Qualifications

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

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong skills in RNA biology techniques, molecular biology, and biochemical methods.
• Experience with RNA‑seq data analysis, DNA-encoded library design and screening, and structure-based design.
• Strong academic track record and high-impact publication list.
• Team-player mentality and interest in targeting the RNA world.
• Willingness to learn new methods and a broad research skill set.

Application Timeline

The position is open until filled. Application review will begin May 29, 2026. This is a time-limited position.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.