Postdoctoral Fellow, Chemistry Lewis Lab

Indiana University; Bloomington (IN); On-site; USD 56,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Indiana University in Bloomington seeks a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Lewis Lab to advance cutting-edge protein engineering for new biocatalytic transformations. The role combines organic/organometallic chemistry with state-of-the-art design, directed evolution, sequencing, and automation to develop B12-dependent enzymes or artificial metalloenzymes.

Candidates with a PhD in chemistry or biochemistry and experience in molecular biology or synthetic chemistry are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications

• Candidates must have extensive experience with either molecular biology or synthetic chemistry.
• PhD in chemistry or biochemistry is required.

Responsibilities

• Cloning and molecular biology needed for enzyme production and engineering.
• Synthesis of substrates and product standards.
• High throughput screening of enzyme libraries.
• Documentation of findings and presentations.
• Maintenance of group equipment and facilities.

Skills

Molecular biology

Synthetic chemistry

Computational design

Education

PhD in chemistry/biochemistry

Tools

Next-gen sequencing

Job description

Postdoctoral Fellow, Chemistry Lewis 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. 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.

Job 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.

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.

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.

Applications will be reviewed upon receipt. Best consideration date: 7/21/2026. Expected start date is 10/1/26.

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].

For additional information visit: https://lewis.lab.indiana.edu/