Postdoctoral Scholar-Fixed Term

MSU Careers Details • East Lansing, MI

22h • Onsite

About The Position

The Lee laboratory at Michigan State University (MSU) is seeking a highly motivated, creative, and collaborative Postdoctoral Scholar in synthetic/medicinal chemistry or chemical biology to join our multidisciplinary drug discovery team. The scholar will play a key role in three translational programs focused on (1) neurological disorders, (2) metabolic disorders, and (3) a rare genetic neurodegenerative disease. This position will be for a one-year, fixed term role with the possibility of renewal depending on performance and funding availability. Supported by the MSU Research Foundation (MSURF) Postdoctoral Scholar Program, this position is designed for a talented recent PhD who wants to expand beyond synthetic chemistry and develop into a well-rounded drug discovery scientist. The scholar will design and synthesize novel small molecules while receiving hands-on training in SAR/lead optimization, high-throughput screening, in vitro ADME/drug metabolism, pharmacokinetics and PK modeling, target engagement, and in vivo pharmacology. Prior expertise in these areas beyond synthetic chemistry is not required—we are looking for someone who is eager to learn, highly coachable, receptive to feedback, and enthusiastic about developing new scientific skills and has demonstrated good communication and collaborative skills.

Requirements

• PhD in organic/synthetic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, chemical biology, or a related field
• Strong expertise in multistep organic synthesis and compound characterization
• Team-oriented scientist who communicates openly, welcomes constructive feedback, learns quickly, supports colleagues, and is motivated to grow both scientifically and professionally.
• Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired through completing a PhD program in chemical science/pharmacology or related fields (Chemistry, biochemistry, chemical biology, chemical engineering, Pharmacology and Toxicology etc)
• At least 5 years of experience in organic synthesis and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in overseeing research projects and laboratory operations, operating and maintaining a variety of laboratory equipment, performing specialized and difficult analytical and research techniques and assays, and designing research experiments; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Highly experienced in scientific communications including but not limited to presentation, manuscript and proposal preparations.

Nice To Haves

• Experience or Sound knowledge of bioassays and or high throughput screening
• Experience in automatic flash chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) purification
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Experience in team science setting is highly desired.
• Works independently and leads from the bench.
• Demonstrates creative initiative and successful in securing grants/fellowships would be considered an advantage.
• Milestones oriented with effective problem-solving skills.
• Open to suggestions and able to critically evaluate and embrace new or different ideas.

Responsibilities

• Design and synthesize novel small molecules and optimize their potency and drug-like properties.
• Integrate medicinal chemistry, ADME/PK, target-engagement, and in vivo data to guide lead optimization.
• Collaborate closely with chemists, biologists, pharmacologists, and other scientists on multidisciplinary drug discovery projects.
• Participate in high-throughput in vivo screening to discover therapeutic targets and candidates for a rare neurodegenerative disease.
• Apply emerging technologies, including AI-assisted drug discovery, where scientifically appropriate.
• Publish high-impact research, present at scientific meetings, and contribute to manuscripts and proposals.
• Receive dedicated mentoring toward scientific independence and NIH career-transition awards or equivalent fellowships.

Benefits

• Possibility of renewal depending on performance and funding availability
• Supported by the MSU Research Foundation (MSURF) Postdoctoral Scholar Program
• Hands-on training in SAR/lead optimization, high-throughput screening, in vitro ADME/drug metabolism, pharmacokinetics and PK modeling, target engagement, and in vivo pharmacology
• Dedicated mentoring toward scientific independence and NIH career-transition awards or equivalent fellowships

What This Job Offers

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