Postdoctoral Fellow/Biomaterials Scientist, Chemistry Zaleski Lab

Indiana University; Bloomington (IN); On-site; USD 47,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

Indiana University’s Zaleski Lab in the Department of Chemistry seeks a Postdoctoral Fellow/Biomaterials Scientist to design and synthesize hybrid molecular and nanomaterial catalysts. The role expects a start around January 15, 2027, with flexibility for outstanding candidates.

The successful candidate will work on vesicle preparation, cell interactions, and advanced microscopy to advance biomaterials research. Candidates with a Ph.D.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in biomaterials or related field required.
• Experience with bacterial biochemistry, membrane biology, vesicle analysis, and microscopy.
• Strong writing and publication record in peer‑reviewed journals.

Responsibilities

• Manage own independent research and administrative activities, coordinating multiple tasks to meet deadlines.
• Train graduate and undergraduate students in experimental methods.
• Develop and optimize protocols for hybrid molecular/nanomaterial catalysts.
• Operate advanced lab equipment and analyze data from experiments.
• Maintain and organize a safe, compliant laboratory environment.
• Collaborate with colleagues and external partners on joint projects.
• Prepare manuscripts and reports for publication and seminars.

Skills

Bacterial biochemistry

Membrane biology

Extracellular vesicles

Advanced microscopy

Cell membrane interactions

Education

Ph.D. in Biomaterials related field

Tools

TEM

Confocal microscopy

Light microscopy

Job description

Postdoctoral Fellow/Biomaterials Scientist, Chemistry Zaleski Lab

Title Postdoctoral Fellow/Biomaterials Scientist, Chemistry Zaleski Lab

Location Bloomington

Department Information

The Department of Chemistry in the College of Arts + Sciences at Indiana University, consists of a well-rounded research community with cutting-edge expertise in a wide variety of modern disciplines including analytical chemistry, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry, materials chemistry, and biochemistry.

Job Summary

The Zaleski Lab in the Department of Chemistry at Indiana University is accepting applications for a postdoctoral research position. The position involves the design and synthesis of hybrid molecular and nanomaterial catalysts (see here for recent work: Accts. Chem. Res. 2019, 52, 1957; ACS Appl. Biomater. 2026, 9(10), 4520; Chem. Sci. 2025, 16, 255). The desired start date is January 15, 2027, although this is flexible in-order-to accommodate the needs of outstanding candidates.

The successful applicant will have marked experience in bacterial cell growth, management and analysis, as well as considerable expertise in membrane biochemistry and especially extracellular vesicles to achieve research goals. Working knowledge of nanomaterial preparation and interaction with cell is a strong positive. Motivated applicants with a Ph.D. in any relevant biomaterials area are strongly encouraged to apply. Candidates with a strong background in vesicle preparation, analysis, cell interactions and capabilities in advanced microscopy methods ( TEM , Confocal, light microscopy) are highly desired.

The Zaleski Lab is a dynamic multidisciplinary laboratory environment. The successful applicant will play an integral role within our growing team and will emerge with a skill set that is equally relevant to academia and industry. Trainees receive regular guidance and feedback to ensure progress is made toward their career goals, whatever those may be. Trainees are also afforded the scheduling flexibility needed to maintain an appropriate work life balance and a safe laboratory environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage own academic research and administrative activities. This involves small scale project management and coordinating multiple aspects of work to meet deadlines.
• Train graduate and undergraduate students in research methods
• Adapt existing, and develop new, scientific techniques and experimental protocols to achieve research objectives.
• Use specialist scientific equipment in a laboratory environment.
• Assist in maintaining a research laboratory (e.g. setting up new assays, ordering equipment etc.)
• Contribute ideas for new research projects.
• Undertake comprehensive and systematic literature reviews and write up the results for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
• Collaborate in the preparation of scientific reports and journal articles and occasionally present papers and posters.
• Act as a source of information and advice to other members of the group on scientific protocols and experimental techniques.
• Represent the research group at external meetings/seminars, either with other members of the group or alone.
• Carry out collaborative projects with colleagues in partner institutions and research groups.

Basic Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Biomaterials related field

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with bacterial biochemistry, membrane biology, analysis methods and microscopy related to both cells and nanomaterials is required. The preferred candidate will have a deep understanding of preparation of extracellular vesicles and cell membrane/organelle interactions.

Department Contact for Questions

Questions regarding the position or application process can be directed to: Prof. Jeff Zaleski, Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, 800 E. Kirkwood Avenue, Bloomington, IN 47405, [e-mail].

Salary and Rank

$52,000/year, Postdoctoral Fellow

Special Instructions

The initial appointment for this position will be for 12 months. Additional 12-month extension will be available based on performance. A competitive salary along with a benefits package will be offered.

"Indiana University is an equal employment and affirmative action employer and a provider of ADA services and prohibits discrimination in hiring." See Indiana University Notice of Non-Discrimination here which includes contact information.