Postdoctoral Research Associate I

The University of Arizona • Tucson, AZ

31d • Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• Strong knowledge of medicinal chemistry and/or synthetic organic chemistry.
• Knowledge and experience in the design and synthesis of small molecules and structure–activity relationship studies.
• Ability to demonstrate proficiency in compound purification and characterization using techniques such as chromatography, HPLC, LC-MS, and NMR.
• Ability to independently design experiments, analyze data, troubleshoot synthetic approaches, and communicate research findings.
• Strong scientific writing, communication, organizational, and collaborative skills.
• PhD in medicinal chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, organic chemistry, chemical biology, or a closely related field upon hire.

Nice To Haves

• 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
• Drug discovery for neurological or neurodegenerative diseases
• A strong peer-reviewed publication record

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.

Benefits

• 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

What This Job Offers

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