Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Center for Discovery & Innovation

John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center; Nutley (NJ); On-site; USD 62,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Hackensack Meridian Health's Center for Discovery and Innovation seeks a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to advance cancer and biomedical research. The role emphasizes independent experimental execution, data analysis, and presenting findings at internal and external forums.

The candidate should hold a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry or Medicinal Chemistry with hands-on experience in multi-step synthesis, heterocyclic chemistry, and transition-metal catalysis.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in a scientific field or related discipline.
• Minimum publication or in preparation of one article as first author in a reputable peer‑reviewed journal.
• Excellent written and verbal skills; good problem solving abilities.
• Ability to conduct independent research and work well in a team.

Responsibilities

• Conducts research under direct supervision.
• Collects, analyzes and interprets data.
• Creates reports from analysis of initial observations and conclusions.
• Presents findings to higher level staff.
• Presents results in internal and external research forums such as scientific conferences, lab meetings and institutional seminars.
• Handles moderately complex issues and problems and refers more complex issues to higher‑level staff.
• Participates in grant and manuscript writing, as appropriate.
• Other duties and/or projects as assigned.
• Adheres to organizational competencies and standards of behavior.

Skills

Written and verbal communication

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Computer skills (MS Office, Google)

Education

Ph.D. in science or related field

First author publication in peer‑reviewed journal

Tools

ChemDraw

PyMOL/Maestro

ChimeraX

DataWarrior

CDD Vault

Job description

Overview

The Center for Discovery and Innovation- CDI was established by Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH) as an academic basic and translational research enterprise to rapidly translate science innovation to the clinic and to improve outcomes for patients with cancer, infectious diseases, autoimmune disease and other acute and chronic diseases. The CDI has grown rapidly since its origins in 2019, and now has 39 labs, 200+ scientists and allied personnel supported by 78 NIH and DoD grants and more than 87 other grants and contracts. Areas of expertise include genomics, epigenetics, drug resistance, stem cell biology, drug discovery, diagnostics and biomarker development, rheumatology and pharmacology.

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• Requisition # 2026-187907
• ShiftDay
• StatusFull Time with Benefits

Overview

The Center for Discovery and Innovation- CDI was established by Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH) as an academic basic and translational research enterprise to rapidly translate science innovation to the clinic and to improve outcomes for patients with cancer, infectious diseases, autoimmune disease and other acute and chronic diseases. The CDI has grown rapidly since its origins in 2019, and now has 39 labs, 200+ scientists and allied personnel supported by 78 NIH and DoD grants and more than 87 other grants and contracts. Areas of expertise include genomics, epigenetics, drug resistance, stem cell biology, drug discovery, diagnostics and biomarker development, rheumatology and pharmacology.

The Postdoctoral Research Fellow will conduct research under supervision. This role will also be responsible for analyzing, interpreting and presenting the data. This role will play a critical role in conducting the studies of the assigned lab. This role is expected to understand the project and work independently taking responsibilities in the development and execution of experimental procedures to successfully advance each research project. The research involves the use of a variety of technical laboratory experimentation.

The ideal candidate will hold a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry or Medicinal Chemistry and possess extensive hands‑on experience in multi‑step organic synthesis, heterocyclic chemistry, and transition‑metal catalysis. They will demonstrate proficiency in inert atmosphere techniques and reaction optimization, as well as proven expertise in compound purification (automated flash chromatography, prep‑HPLC) and structural characterization (1H, 13C, 19F NMR; 2D‑NMR; LC‑MS). Additionally, the ideal candidate will have a demonstrated understanding of property‑guided drug design (SAR, ADME optimization, bioisosteric replacement) and familiarity with electronic lab notebooks and cheminformatics tools, such as ChemDraw, PyMOL/Maestro, ChimeraX, DataWarrior, and CDDVault.

Responsibilities

• Conducts research under direct supervision.
• Collects, analyzes and interprets data.
• Creates reports from analysis of initial observations and conclusions.
• Presents findings to higher level staff.
• Presents results in internal and external research forums such as scientific conferences, lab meetings and institutional seminars.
• Handles moderately complex issues and problems and refers more complex issues to higher‑level staff.
• Participates in grant and manuscript writing, as appropriate.
• Other duties and/or projects as assigned.
• Adheres to HMH Organizational competencies and standards of behavior.

Qualifications

Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• A Ph.D. degree in scientific or related discipline.
• Minimum publication or in preparation of one article as first author in a reputable peer‑reviewed journal.
• Excellent written and verbal skills
• Good problem solving skills.
• Ability to conduct independent research.
• Ability to work effectively in a team.
• Lab specific techniques. (Varies by lab)
• Proficient computer skills including but not limited to Microsoft Office and Google Suite platforms.

If you feel that the above description speaks directly to your strengths and capabilities, then please apply today!

Compensation

Minimum rate of $62,233.60 Annually

HMH is committed to pay equity and transparency for our team members. The posted rate of pay in this job posting is a reasonable good faith estimate of the minimum base pay for this role at the time of posting in accordance with the New Jersey Pay Transparency Act and does not reflect the full value of our market‑competitive total rewards package.

Job Duties

The starting rate of pay is provided for informational purposes only and is not a guarantee of a specific offer. Posted hourly rates may be stated as an annual salary in the offer and posted annual salaries may be stated as an hourly rate in the offer, depending on the level and nature of the job duties and credentials of the candidate. The base compensation determined at the time of the offer may be different than the posted rate of pay based on a number of non‑discriminatory factors, including but not limited to:

• Labor Market Data: Compensation is benchmarked against market data to ensure competitiveness.
• Experience: Years of relevant work experience.
• Education and Certifications: Level of education attained, including specialized certifications, credentials, completed apprenticeship programs or advanced training.
• Skills: Demonstrated proficiency in relevant skills and competencies.
• Geographic Location: Cost of living and market rates for the specific location.
• Internal Equity: Compensation is determined in a manner consistent with compensation ranges for similar roles within the organization.
• Budget and Grant Funding: Departmental budgets and any grant funding associated with the job position may impact the pay that can be offered.

Some jobs may also be eligible for performance‑based incentives, bonuses, or commissions not reflected in the starting rate. Certain positions may also be eligible for shift differentials for work performed on evening, night, or weekend shifts.

In addition to our compensation for full‑time and part‑time (20+ hours/week) job positions, HMH offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, paid leave, tuition reimbursement, and retirement benefits.

HACKENSACK MERIDIAN HEALTH (HMH) IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, breastfeeding, genetic information, refusal to submit to a genetic test or make available to an employer the results of a genetic test, atypical hereditary cellular or blood trait, national origin, nationality, ancestry, disability, marital status, liability for military service, or status as a protected veteran.

Our Network

Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH) is a Mandatory Influenza Vaccination Facility

As a courtesy to assist you in your job search, we would like to send your resume to other areas of our Hackensack Meridian Health network who may have current openings that fit your skills and experience.