Postdoctoral Associate

Stony Brook University • Town of Brookhaven, NY

5d

About The Position

A Postdoctoral Associate position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Navjot Pabla in the Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, at Stony Brook University. The laboratory investigates molecular mechanisms of acute and chronic kidney diseases, emphasizing mitochondrial biology, metabolism, kidney injury, therapeutic targets, and novel pharmacological approaches.

The successful candidate will conduct independent and collaborative research focused on designing, synthesizing, optimizing, and characterizing small molecules and chemical probes for therapeutic discovery. The work combines synthetic organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, chemical biology, and analytical approaches to develop and evaluate compounds targeting molecular pathways involved in kidney injury and repair. The position offers opportunities for multidisciplinary collaboration, independent research, and career development.

The candidate will design and execute synthetic strategies, optimize reactions, purify and characterize compounds, investigate structure–activity and structure–reactivity relationships, and collaborate on biological evaluation of compounds in cellular and preclinical kidney disease models. Additional duties include analyzing and interpreting research data, maintaining accurate laboratory records, preparing manuscripts and research applications, presenting findings, mentoring junior trainees, and participating in laboratory and departmental activities.

Employment is subject to Research Foundation policies and procedures, sponsor guidelines, and funding availability. The position is FLSA exempt and is not eligible for overtime. The employer is unable to sponsor work visas. Applicants should include a resume/CV and cover letter with the online application.

Requirements

• PhD or foreign equivalent in Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Chemical Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a closely related discipline, in hand by the start of the appointment.
• Experience in synthetic organic chemistry and small-molecule synthesis.
• Experience in reaction development and optimization.
• Experience characterizing chemical compounds using techniques such as NMR, LC-MS, and HPLC.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in medicinal chemistry, chemical biology, or biorthogonal chemistry.
• Experience designing and synthesizing small molecules.
• Experience with structure–activity or structure–reactivity relationship studies and development of chemical probes.
• Experience in compound purification, analytical method development, and characterization of chemical stability and purity.
• Familiarity with mammalian cell culture, fluorescence-based assays, or biological evaluation of small molecules.
• A demonstrated record of peer-reviewed publications.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.

Responsibilities

• Design, synthesize, purify, and characterize small molecules and chemical probes for medicinal chemistry and therapeutic discovery projects.
• Develop and optimize synthetic routes, reactions, and analytical methodologies.
• Investigate structure–activity and structure–reactivity relationships.
• Use NMR, LC-MS, and HPLC to assess compound identity, purity, and stability.
• Collaborate with laboratory members and investigators in chemistry, pharmacology, and kidney biology to evaluate compounds in biological systems, including cellular and preclinical models of kidney disease.
• Analyze and interpret research data.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and research documentation.
• Prepare manuscripts, fellowship applications, and research grants.
• Present research findings at scientific meetings.
• Mentor junior trainees.
• Participate in laboratory meetings, departmental seminars, collaborative research activities, and professional development.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree