Postdoctoral Associate

Duke University, Department of Chemistry
Position ID:
Duke-Department of Chemistry-EN_PSD26 [#31658]
Position Title: 
Position Type:
Postdoctoral
Position Location:
Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States of America [map ]
Subject Areas: 
Chemistry / Synthetic Organic Chemistry , Medicinal Chemistry
Appl Deadline:
2026/03/03 04:59 AM UnitedKingdomTime**
Position Description:
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Today is the last day you can apply for this position; no new applications will be accepted after 2026/03/03 04:59 AM UnitedKingdomTime.
Position Description

The Njomen Lab at Duke University seeks a highly motivated Postdoctoral Associate with strong expertise in medicinal chemistry or synthetic organic chemistry. This role sits at the chemistry–biology interface and will contribute directly to the discovery of chemical probes and therapeutic leads toward the targeting of historically inaccessible protein targets.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, synthesis, and characterization of sp³-rich covalent small molecules
• Lead structure–activity relationship (SAR) campaigns and scaffold development
• Collaborate closely with biologists to translate compounds into cell-based and proteomic assays
• Mentor graduate students in chemical synthesis and characterization
• Contribute to manuscripts, grant proposals, and collaborative research efforts

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Chemical Biology, or a related field
• Strong background in sp3 -rich small-molecule synthesis
• Experience with, or strong interest in, covalent chemistry
• Ability to work independently in a rigorous, collaborative research environment

Preferred (but Not Required) Qualifications

• Experience with chemoproteomics, or proteome-wide target discovery
• Experience with targeted protein degradation
• Experience interfacing synthetic chemistry with cell-based assays
• Prior exposure to drug discovery
• Interest in mentoring and lab leadership

Application Instructions

Interested candidates should submit their application through Academic Job Online. A complete application should include:

Cover letter

Curriculum Vitae

Research statement describing prior experience

Three letters of recommendation

Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation, or military status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Application Materials Required:
Further Info:
http://www.chem.duke.edu/
 
Department of Chemistry
Duke University
Box 90347
Durham, NC 27708-0347