Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Chemical Biology

Bucknell University • East Buffalo Township, PA

4d • Onsite

About The Position

Bucknell University is seeking an intrinsically motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join an NIH-funded project focused on developing new chemical probes to visualize protein lactylation and other dynamic post-translational modifications (PTM) in living cells. The project combines synthetic/organic chemistry with bioorthogonal chemistry to create metabolite-inspired probes that report on protein modifications in real-time in the cytoplasm and nucleus. The successful candidate will contribute to the design and synthesis of novel chemical probes, their application in cells, and the study of how metabolite–PTM–epigenetic relationships regulate cell development, differentiation, and migration. This position offers an opportunity to work at the interface of chemistry and biology, drive method development, and help establish a broadly applicable platform for imaging dynamic protein modifications involved in health and disease. The Postdoctoral Research Fellow will report directly to the Principal Investigator (PI), Dr. Christian Agatemor. The position does not have formal direct reports; however, the postdoctoral fellow may provide informal mentorship and day-to-day guidance to graduate and undergraduate researchers working on related projects in the laboratory. This position is a full-time, benefits-eligible, NIH-funded postdoctoral staff position with an initial one-year appointment, with the possibility of renewal subject to the availability of funds and satisfactory performance. The position provides opportunities for professional development, including grant writing, mentoring, and conference presentations. Some evening or weekend work may be occasionally required to support time-sensitive experiments.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Biology, Biochemistry, or a closely related field by the start date of the appointment.
• Demonstrated experience in synthetic chemistry, biorthogonal chemistry, or chemical biology
• Strong background in organic synthesis and/or chemical biology
• Proficiency in cell culture and fluorescence-based imaging methods
• Ability to design and execute independent experiments
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment

Nice To Haves

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Biology, or related field with a focus on biorthogonal chemistry; additional training or coursework in cell biology, biophysics, or imaging sciences.
• Postdoctoral or advanced graduate experience in synthetic organic chemistry and/or chemical biology
• Experience working on interdisciplinary projects that combine chemistry with live-cell or molecular imaging
• Prior experience mentoring undergraduate or graduate students in a research setting
• completion of institutional training in chemical hygiene, biosafety, and responsible conduct of research is preferred
• Demonstrated proficiency in organic synthesis, characterization (NMR, MS, chromatography) and/or chemical probe design
• Experience with mammalian cell culture, live-cell fluorescence imaging, and quantitative image/data analysis
• Familiarity with posttranslational modification biology, metabolite-PTM relationships, or epigenetic regulation is desirable
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including preparation of manuscripts and presentations
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment

Responsibilities

• Conduct research related to biorthogonal probe design, synthesis, and live-cell imaging of protein lactylation.
• Develop methodologies, including synthetic routes, labeling strategies, and imaging protocols.
• Analyze data and disseminate findings through manuscripts, presentations, and reports.
• Mentor and collaborate with graduate and undergraduate researchers and external partners
• Maintain records and ensure compliance with safety, biosafety, and institutional/NIH requirements.
• Assist with general lab organization and inventory, participate in seminars and professional development activities, support occasional outreach efforts, contribute to grant-related materials as needed, and perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Flexible scheduling options determined by role
• Medical, prescription drug, vision, dental, life, and long-term disability insurance options
• An outstanding 10% employer contribution to your retirement plan (no contribution requirement for non-exempt positions)
• Generous paid time off, including vacation and sick time, a community service day, and 19 paid holidays (including two full weeks off for Winter Break!)
• Full-time and part-time members of the faculty and staff are eligible for tuition remission for themselves. Additionally, full-time members of the faculty and staff are eligible for tuition remission for their spouse/spousal equivalent and are eligible for various tuition programs for their children.
• Credit for full-time benefits eligible employment at other institutions of higher education will be applied to waiting periods.
• A comprehensive employee wellness program including program incentives
• A myriad of other benefits, including parental leave, an employee assistance program, fitness center membership, and the power of your Bucknell ID card

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees