Postdoctoral Fellow, Chemistry

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Bloomington (IN); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Indiana University in Bloomington seeks a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Lewis Lab, Chemistry Department, to advance cutting-edge protein engineering and biocatalysis. The role centers on developing B12-dependent enzymes and artificial metalloenzymes using organic chemistry, organometallic cofactors, and computational design.

PhD in chemistry or biochemistry is required; strong backgrounds in molecular biology or synthetic chemistry are highly valued.

Qualifications

• Candidates must have extensive experience with either molecular biology or synthetic chemistry.
• PhD in any area of chemistry or biochemistry.

Responsibilities

• Primary research responsibilities will include cloning and other molecular biology required for enzyme production and engineering.
• Synthesis of substrates and product standards, high-throughput screening of enzyme libraries.
• Application of computational protein design tools.

Skills

Molecular biology

Synthetic chemistry

Protein engineering

Computational protein design

Education

PhD in chemistry or biochemistry

Tools

Next-gen sequencing

Laboratory automation

Cloning

Job description

Postdoctoral Fellow, Chemistry

Position Summary

The Lewis Lab in the Department of Chemistry at Indiana University is accepting applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow position. The position offers an opportunity to develop and apply cutting‑edge protein engineering techniques to address fundamental challenges in synthetic chemistry and biocatalysis. The successful applicant will use a deep understanding of organic and organometallic chemistry, combined with state‑of‑the‑art methods (generative protein design, directed evolution, next‑gen sequencing, and laboratory automation) to develop B12‑dependent enzymes or artificial metalloenzymes containing different organometallic cofactors for new chemical transformations. Motivated applicants with PhD training in any area of chemistry or biochemistry will be considered. Experience with either molecular biology or synthetic chemistry is strongly preferred. The Lewis Lab is a dynamic multidisciplinary laboratory environment. The successful applicant will play an integral role within our growing team of chemists, biochemists, and protein engineers 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.

Responsibilities

Primary research responsibilities will include cloning and other molecular biology required for enzyme production and engineering, synthesis of substrates and product standards, high‑throughput screening of enzyme libraries, and application of computational protein design tools. Careful documentation of all findings, formal research reports and presentations, and participation in group equipment/facility maintenance is also expected.

Required Qualifications

Candidates must have extensive experience with either molecular biology or synthetic chemistry. PhD in any area of chemistry or biochemistry.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with both molecular biology and synthetic chemistry is preferred but not required. Familiarity with computational design tools, organometallic catalysis/methodology development, enzyme library generation and screening are highly desirable.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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 including contact information.

Contact and Application

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, CV, and contact information for three references. Applications will be reviewed upon receipt. Best consideration date: 07/21/2026. Expected start date: 10/01/2026. Questions regarding the position or application process can be directed to Prof. Lewis, Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, 800 E. Kirkwood Avenue, Bloomington, IN 47405, [e-mail]. Apply at https://indiana.peopleadmin.com/postings/33690. More information: https://lewis.lab.indiana.edu/.