Postdoctoral Fellow/Biomaterials Scientist, Chemistry Zaleski Lab

Indiana University Bloomington; Bloomington (IN); On-site; USD 44,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Indiana University Bloomington, Department of Chemistry, is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow/Biomaterials Scientist in the Zaleski Lab to design and synthesize hybrid molecular and nanomaterial catalysts. A Ph.D. in a related biomaterials field is required, with strong microscopy and vesicle analysis expertise.

Start date is January 15, 2027, with potential extensions based on performance. The successful candidate will work on interdisciplinary projects involving bacterial growth, membrane

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Biomaterials related field is required.
• Experience with bacterial biochemistry, membrane biology, and vesicle analysis is preferred.
• Strong background in microscopy techniques (TEM, Confocal, light) is highly desired.

Responsibilities

• Manage own academic research and administrative activities with project coordination.
• Train graduate and undergraduate students in research methods.
• Develop and adapt scientific techniques and experimental protocols to meet objectives.
• Use specialist scientific equipment in a laboratory environment.
• Maintain the research lab and order equipment as needed.
• Contribute ideas for new research projects.
• Review literature and publish results in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Prepare scientific reports and discuss findings in meetings and seminars.
• Advise group members on protocols and techniques.
• Represent the group at external meetings or with partner institutions.
• Collaborate on projects with colleagues at other institutions.

Skills

Bacterial biochemistry

Membrane biology

Cell/lab technique

Extracellular vesicles

Microscopy methods

Education

Ph.D. in Biomaterials related field

Tools

TEM

Confocal microscopy

Light microscopy

Job description

Posting Details

Position Details

Title

Postdoctoral Fellow/Biomaterials Scientist, Chemistry ZaleskiLab

Appointment Status

Non-Tenure Track

Department

IU Bloomington Chemistry

Location

Bloomington

Position Summary

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; ACSA 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:

1. Manage own academic research and administrative activities. This involves small scale project management and coordinating multiple aspects of work to meet deadlines.
2. Train graduate and undergraduate students in research methods
3. Adapt existing, and develop new, scientific techniques and experimental protocols to achieve research objectives.
4. Use specialist scientific equipment in a laboratory environment.
5. Assist in maintaining a research laboratory (e.g. setting up new assays, ordering equipment etc.)
6. Contribute ideas for new research projects.
7. Undertake comprehensive and systematic literature reviews and write up the results for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
8. Collaborate in the preparation of scientific reports and journal articles and occasionally present papers and posters.
9. Act as a source of information and advice to other members of the group on scientific protocols and experimental techniques.
10. Represent the research group at external meetings/seminars, either with other members of the group or alone.
11. 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 affirmativeaction employer and a provider of ADA services and prohibitsdiscrimination in hiring." See Indiana University Notice ofNon-Discrimination here which includes contactinformation.

For Best Consideration Date

12/01/2026

Expected Start Date

01/15/2027

Posting Number

IU-101744-2026