"Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Chemical Biology"

Job Details

Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Chemical Biology

R0000002147
Bucknell University

Position Title:
Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Chemical Biology

Position Type:
Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:
40

Categories:
Staff Exempt

Job Summary:

Bucknell University is seeking an intrinsically motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join an NIH-funded project focused on developing new chemical probes to visualize protein lactylation and other dynamic post-translational modifications (PTM) in living cells. The project combines synthetic/organic chemistry with bioorthogonal chemistry to create metabolite-inspired probes that report on protein modifications in real-time in the cytoplasm and nucleus.

The successful candidate will contribute to the design and synthesis of novel chemical probes, their application in cells, and the study of how metabolite-PTM-epigenetic relationships regulate cell development, differentiation, and migration. This position offers an opportunity to work at the interface of chemistry and biology, drive method development, and help establish a broadly applicable platform for imaging dynamic protein modifications involved in health and disease.

The Postdoctoral Research Fellow will report directly to the Principal Investigator (PI), Dr. Christian Agatemor. The position does not have formal direct reports; however, the postdoctoral fellow may provide informal mentorship and day-to-day guidance to graduate and undergraduate researchers working on related projects in the laboratory.

This position is a full-time, benefits-eligible, NIH-funded postdoctoral staff position with an initial one-year appointment, with the possibility of renewal subject to the availability of funds and satisfactory performance. The position provides opportunities for professional development, including grant writing, mentoring, and conference presentations. Some evening or weekend work may be occasionally required to support time-sensitive experiments.

Job Duties:

• Conduct research related to biorthogonal probe design, synthesis, and live-cell imaging of protein lactylation.
• Develop methodologies, including synthetic routes, labeling strategies, and imaging protocols.
• Analyze data and disseminate findings through manuscripts, presentations, and reports.
• Mentor and collaborate with graduate and undergraduate researchers and external partners
• Maintain records and ensure compliance with safety, biosafety, and institutional/NIH requirements.
• Other Duties As Assigned: Assist with general lab organization and inventory, participate in seminars and professional development activities, support occasional outreach efforts, contribute to grant-related materials as needed, and perform other related duties as assigned.

What You Will Bring:

Required Qualifications:

• Education: Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Biology, Biochemistry, or a closely related field by the start date of the appointment.
• Professional Work Experience: Demonstrated experience in synthetic chemistry, biorthogonal chemistry, or chemical biology
• Professional Certification or License: None required
• Knowledge Areas and Skills: Strong background in organic synthesis and/or chemical biology; proficiency in cell culture and fluorescence-based imaging methods; ability to design and execute independent experiments; strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills; and the ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment

Preferred Qualifications:

• Education: Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Biology, or related field with a focus on biorthogonal chemistry; additional training or coursework in cell biology, biophysics, or imaging sciences.
• Professional Work Experience: Postdoctoral or advanced graduate experience in synthetic organic chemistry and/or chemical biology; experience working on interdisciplinary projects that combine chemistry with live-cell or molecular imaging; prior experience mentoring undergraduate or graduate students in a research setting
• Professional Certification or License: none required; completion of institutional training in chemical hygiene, biosafety, and responsible conduct of research is preferred
• Knowledge Areas and Skills: Demonstrated proficiency in organic synthesis, characterization (NMR, MS, chromatography) and/or chemical probe design; experience with mammalian cell culture, live-cell fluorescence imaging, and quantitative image/data analysis; familiarity with posttranslational modification biology, metabolite-PTM relationships, or epigenetic regulation is desirable; strong written and oral communication skills, including preparation of manuscripts and presentations; ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to perform standard laboratory tasks, including standing at the bench and using a biosafety cabinet or fume hood for extended periods
• Ability to perform fine motor tasks such as pipetting, handling small components, and operating analytical and imaging instruments
• Ability to occasionally lift and move laboratory supplies or equipment weighing up to approximately 25 pounds
• Ability to work at a computer workstation for data analysis and manuscript preparation

Job Exempt: Yes

Salary Range: 62,232.00-62,232.00

The offer rate will be based on a review of the candidate's credentials compared to the qualifications of the position, internal equity, and our overall compensation philosophy.

This role is not budgeted for visa sponsorship at this time, all candidates must be authorized to work in the US at the time of submission of the application.

Benefits:

Eligible full- and part-time employees are compensated beyond base salary through our total rewards package that includes (but is not limited to):

• Flexible scheduling options determined by role;
• Medical, prescription drug, vision, dental, life, and long-term disability insurance options
• An outstanding 10% employer contribution to your retirement plan (no contribution requirement for non-exempt positions)
• Generous paid time off, including vacation and sick time, a community service day, and 19 paid holidays (including two full weeks off for Winter Break!)
• Full-time and part-time members of the faculty and staff are eligible for tuition remission for themselves. Additionally, full-time members of the faculty and staff are eligible for tuition remission for their spouse/spousal equivalent and are eligible for various tuition programs for their children. Credit for full-time benefits eligible employment at other institutions of higher education will be applied to waiting periods.
• A comprehensive employee wellness program including program incentives
• A myriad of other benefits, including parental leave, an employee assistance program, fitness center membership, and the power of your Bucknell ID card

To apply, visit https://bucknell.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/External/job/Bucknell-University/Postdoctoral-Research-Fellow---Chemical-Biology_R0000002147.