Research Associate in Chemistry

University of Virginia•Charlottesville, VA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Chemistry at the University of Virginia (UVA) invites applications for Postdoctoral Research in Drug Discovery, Medicinal Chemistry, and Chemical Biology, under the direction of Professor Muhammad Murtaza Hassan. The Hassan Laboratory at the University of Virginia is seeking a highly motivated and creative Postdoctoral Fellow to join our interdisciplinary research program at the interface of synthetic organic chemistry, chemical biology, and drug discovery. Our research focuses on targeting clinical gaps by generating drug-like small-molecule therapeutic modalities that go beyond targeted protein inhibition. These include the development of molecular glues, targeted protein degraders, chemically induced proximity technologies, and covalent ligands to expand the druggable proteome. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in synthetic organic chemistry, with preference given to applicants who have completed doctoral or postdoctoral training in total synthesis, natural product synthesis, or the development of novel synthetic methodologies. Candidates with experience in medicinal chemistry, chemical biology, or small-molecule drug discovery are particularly encouraged to apply. The successful applicant will lead the design and synthesis of structurally complex small molecules, develop innovative synthetic strategies to access novel chemical space, and collaborate closely with biochemists, molecular and cancer biologists, structural biologists, and computational scientists to advance projects from chemical design through biological evaluation. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to high-impact, multidisciplinary research while developing an independent research profile. The successful candidate will join a dynamic and collaborative research group with access to state-of-the-art facilities and extensive opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration. This position is ideal for an ambitious synthetic chemist interested in applying advanced synthetic chemistry to address fundamental challenges in chemical biology and the discovery of next-generation therapeutics.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, or a closely related discipline by the start date.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated expertise in multistep synthetic organic chemistry, with a strong preference for experience in total synthesis, natural product synthesis, or synthetic methodology development.
Proven ability to independently design synthetic routes, optimize challenging reactions, and solve complex synthetic problems.
Strong proficiency in modern purification and analytical techniques, including chromatography, NMR spectroscopy, LC-MS, and HRMS.
Experience with air- and moisture-sensitive chemistry (Schlenk techniques and/or glovebox operations) is desirable.
A strong publication record demonstrating scientific productivity and innovation.
Excellent written and oral communication skills, including manuscript preparation, grant/fellowship writing, and presentation of research findings.
Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a collaborative, multidisciplinary research environment.
Experience in medicinal chemistry, structure–activity relationship (SAR) studies, computational molecular design, or small-molecule drug discovery is considered an asset.
Experience mentoring graduate or undergraduate researchers is desirable.
A commitment to scientific excellence, collaboration, and fostering an inclusive and supportive research environment.

Responsibilities

Lead the design and synthesis of structurally complex small molecules.
Develop innovative synthetic strategies to access novel chemical space.
Collaborate closely with biochemists, molecular and cancer biologists, structural biologists, and computational scientists to advance projects from chemical design through biological evaluation.
Contribute to high-impact, multidisciplinary research.
Develop an independent research profile.