Postdoctoral Research Associate I

UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA; Tucson, Northern (AZ, KY); On-site; USD 54,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Tuition reduction

Job summary

The University of Arizona’s R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate I for Dr. Xinglong Wang’s laboratory to advance the discovery and development of novel small-molecule therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases.

The role covers medicinal chemistry, design and synthesis, SAR studies, and lead optimization. The successful candidate will collaborate across the lab, analyze data from biochemical and cellular assays,

Qualifications

• PhD in medicinal chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, organic chemistry, chemical biology, or closely related field upon hire.

Responsibilities

• Design, synthesize, purify, and characterize novel small molecules and analogs for drug discovery and lead optimization.
• Conduct SAR studies and optimize compounds for potency and drug-like properties.
• Collaborate with lab members to evaluate compounds using biochemical and cellular assays and guide optimization.
• Analyze and interpret data; prepare manuscripts, reports, presentations, and grant materials.
• Maintain accurate research records and assist with management of reagents and instrumentation.

Skills

Medicinal chemistry

Synthesis design

Data analysis

Scientific writing

Education

PhD in medicinal chemistry or related field

Tools

HPLC

LC-MS

NMR

Job description

Location Tucson Campus

Address Tucson, AZ USA

Position Highlights

The R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate I for Dr. Xinglong Wang's laboratory. The successful candidate will conduct research focused on the discovery and development of novel small-molecule therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases. The position will involve medicinal chemistry, compound design and synthesis, structure–activity relationship studies, and optimization of lead compounds for biological activity and drug-like properties.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, vision, and life insurance; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here .

Duties & Responsibilities

• Design, synthesize, purify, and characterize novel small molecules and analogs for drug discovery and lead optimization.
• Conduct structure–activity relationship studies and optimize compounds for potency, selectivity, physicochemical properties, and drug-like characteristics.
• Collaborate with laboratory members to evaluate compounds using biochemical, cellular, and other pharmacological assays and use the results to guide compound optimization.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data; prepare manuscripts, research reports, presentations, and materials supporting grant applications.
• Maintain accurate research records, contribute to laboratory operations, and assist with management of chemical reagents, instrumentation, and research resources.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong knowledge of medicinal chemistry and/or synthetic organic chemistry.
• Knowledge in the design and synthesis of small molecules and structure–activity relationship studies.
• Ability to independently design experiments, analyze data, troubleshoot synthetic approaches, and communicate research findings.
• Strong scientific writing, communication, organizational, and collaborative skills.

Minimum Qualifications

• PhD in medicinal chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, organic chemistry, chemical biology, or a closely related field upon hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in medicinal chemistry and lead optimization; structure-based or computational drug design; ADME/PK or drug metabolism studies; biochemical or cell-based compound screening; and/or drug discovery for neurological or neurodegenerative diseases.
• A strong peer-reviewed publication record is preferred.
• Proficiency in compound purification and characterization using techniques such as chromatography, HPLC, LC-MS, and NMR.

FLSA Exempt

Full Time/Part Time Full Time

Number of Hours Worked per Week 40

Job FTE 1.0

Work Calendar Fiscal

Job Category Research

Benefits Eligible Yes - Full Benefits

Rate of Pay NIH Salary Guidelines, Depends on Experience

Compensation Type salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)

Type of criminal background check required: Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)

Number of Vacancies 1

Target Hire Date

Expected End Date

Contact Information for Candidates Xinglong Wang I [e-mail]

Open Date 8/13/2026

Open Until Filled Yes

Documents Needed to Apply Curriculum Vitae (CV) and Cover Letter

Special Instructions to Applicant

Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University’s campuses.Thesereports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures.
Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at [e-mail].