Postdoctoral Associate (L,P,S)

Mississippi State University; Starkville, Northern (MS, KY); On-site; USD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Mississippi State University seeks a postdoctoral associate focused on the synthesis of organic fluorophores and cellular culturing in the Department of Chemistry. The role includes designing and synthesizing dyes, optimizing functionalization methods, and evaluating imaging performance in mammalian cells.

The appointee will mentor students, prepare manuscripts, and present findings at conferences. Salary is determined by the UC grade as an unclassified position.

Qualifications

• PhD in Organic Chemistry, Chemical Biology, Medicinal Chemistry, Biochemistry, or closely related field.
• Demonstrated expertise in multistep organic synthesis and compound characterization (NMR, MS, chromatography, etc.).
• Experience with mammalian cell culture and sterile laboratory techniques.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a multidisciplinary research team.

Responsibilities

• Design and synthesize functional organic fluorophores and related molecular probes.
• Develop and optimize synthetic methodologies for dye functionalization.
• Culture and maintain mammalian cell lines under sterile conditions.
• Evaluate dye uptake, localization, cytotoxicity, and imaging performance in cultured cells.
• Perform fluorescence microscopy, confocal microscopy, flow cytometry, and related cellular imaging techniques.
• Analyze experimental data and correlate molecular structure with biological performance.
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate researchers in both synthetic chemistry and cell biology.
• Prepare manuscripts, present research findings at scientific conferences, and assist with proposal development.

Skills

Organic synthesis

Compound characterization

Mammalian cell culture

Communication skills

Independent with teamwork

Education

PhD in Organic Chemistry or related field

Tools

NMR spectroscopy

Mass spectrometry

Chromatography

Job description

Position Function:

Vacancy for a postdoctoral associate focused on the synthesis of organic fluorophores and cellular culturing

Salary Grade:UC

For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.

Department Profile:

For more information on the Department of Chemistry, please visit www.chemistry.msstate.edu

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Design and synthesize functional organic fluorophores and related molecular probes.
• Develop and optimize synthetic methodologies for dye functionalization.
• Culture and maintain mammalian cell lines under sterile conditions.
• Evaluate dye uptake, localization, cytotoxicity, and imaging performance in cultured cells.
• Perform fluorescence microscopy, confocal microscopy, flow cytometry, and related cellular imaging techniques.
• Analyze experimental data and correlate molecular structure with biological performance.
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate researchers in both synthetic chemistry and cell biology.
• Prepare manuscripts, present research findings at scientific conferences, and assist with proposal development.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Chemical Biology, Medicinal Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated expertise in multistep organic synthesis and compound characterization (NMR, MS, chromatography, etc.).
• Experience with mammalian cell culture and sterile laboratory techniques.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a multidisciplinary research team.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Fluorescent probe or dye synthesis.
• Confocal or fluorescence microscopy.
• Flow cytometry.
• Cell viability and cytotoxicity assays.
• Image analysis software (ImageJ/Fiji or equivalent).
• Experience with NIR/SWIR imaging, molecular imaging, or chemical biology.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Regularly involves lifting and bending. Often exposed to one or more elements such as heat, cold, noise, dust, dirt, chemicals, etc.

Restricted Clause

Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, [phone].

What do I need an accommodation?

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and wouldlike to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi StateUniversity, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: [phone] or [e-mail].

If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human ResourcesManagement at [phone] or [e-mail]. Upon request, sections of thisjob listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.