What are the responsibilities and job description for the Postdoctoral Research Associate (Chemist) position at Molecule Maker Lab?
Job Summary
The Molecular Maker Lab (MML) housed in the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign invites applications for a:
- Postdoctoral Research Associate (Chemist).
Primary Function of Position
Under direction of the Principal Investigator (PI) and Managing Director (MD) of MML, this role requires hands-on synthetic experience with designing synthetic routes, solve complex chemistry challenges, and collaborating with multidisciplinary scientists. Successful candidates will demonstrate initiative, accuracy, leadership capabilities, strong communication and organizational skills in maintaining high-quality and experimental output.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Design multi-step synthetic routes for drug candidates and/or chemical probes and carry out route selection, reaction optimization, purification and full characterization of data (NMR, LC-MS, HPLC, etc.)
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential for manuscripts/grants preparation, oral presentations, and collaboration with external contract research organizations (CROs) and academic partners.
- Ability to kneel, bend, and crouch regularly.
- Capable of lifting up to 45 pounds as part of routine lab work.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in organic synthesis with emphasis on methodology/catalysis, including ligand design
- Ability to conduct DFT calculations utilizing ORCA and related software
- Familiarity with translating bench-top chemistry to an automated synthesis platform
Education
- PhD in Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, or related fields achieved or expected by 2026
- Preference will be given to candidates with 2 years of post-graduate experience in an academic setting or biotech/pharmaceutical industry