Postdoctoral Research Associate I

The R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate I for Dr. Xinglong Wang's laboratory. The successful candidate will conduct research focused on the discovery and development of novel small-molecule therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases. The position will involve medicinal chemistry, compound design and synthesis, structure-activity relationship studies, and optimization of lead compounds for biological activity and drug-like properties.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, vision, and life insurance; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

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• Design, synthesize, purify, and characterize novel small molecules and analogs for drug discovery and lead optimization.
• Conduct structure-activity relationship studies and optimize compounds for potency, selectivity, physicochemical properties, and drug-like characteristics.
• Collaborate with laboratory members to evaluate compounds using biochemical, cellular, and other pharmacological assays and use the results to guide compound optimization.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data; prepare manuscripts, research reports, presentations, and materials supporting grant applications.
• Maintain accurate research records, contribute to laboratory operations, and assist with management of chemical reagents, instrumentation, and research resources.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong knowledge of medicinal chemistry and/or synthetic organic chemistry.
• Knowledge in the design and synthesis of small molecules and structure-activity relationship studies.
• Ability to independently design experiments, analyze data, troubleshoot synthetic approaches, and communicate research findings.
• Strong scientific writing, communication, organizational, and collaborative skills.

• PhD in medicinal chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, organic chemistry, chemical biology, or a closely related field upon hire.

• Experience in medicinal chemistry and lead optimization; structure-based or computational drug design; ADME/PK or drug metabolism studies; biochemical or cell-based compound screening; and/or drug discovery for neurological or neurodegenerative diseases.
• A strong peer-reviewed publication record is preferred.
• Proficiency in compound purification and characterization using techniques such as chromatography, HPLC, LC-MS, and NMR.