"Postdoctoral Researcher"

Position Overview

The Erber lab is seeking a highly motivated and creative postdoctoral researcher to conduct research at the interface of chemistry and biology. The successful candidate will design, execute, and analyze chemical biology experiments aimed at characterizing DNA-protein interactions and developing chemical probes for studying protein-ligand interactions. This position offers an excellent opportunity for advanced training and development in a collaborative and multidisciplinary environment.

Job Description

• 70% - Experimental design and execution, including performing organic synthesis, purification and characterization of synthetic products by spectrometry and NMR, western blotting analysis, biochemical and biophysical assay development, and cell culture.
• 20% - Mentorship and training, assisting with general lab management duties.
• 10% - Recording and reporting research progress in a written and oral manner. Other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements

NOTE: To be appointed at the Postdoctoral Researcher title, it is necessary to have the PhD in hand. Appointments made without a diploma or certified transcript indicating an earned doctorate are conditional hires and are appointed on an acting basis not to exceed six months. Upon verification of degree the appointment will be extended to its full duration.

Required Qualifications

1. PhD in Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry or related fields. A special emphasis is training in organic chemistry and chemical biology.
2. A strong publication record in peer-reviewed scientific journals, commensurate with the level of experience.
3. Expertise in designing and executing complex laboratory experiments related to chemical biology as evidenced by application materials.
4. Excellent written communication skills as evidenced by application materials and publications.
5. Previous experience that required the ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative, interdisciplinary team as evidenced by application materials.
6. Previous experience that required excellent organizational and time-management skills, with a strong attention to detail as evidenced by application materials.

This position requires a formal degree in the cited discipline area(s) to ensure that candidates have advanced knowledge, analytical skills and professional competencies necessary to perform the duties of the position. The level of degree is commonly recognized as the standard qualification for similar roles in the public and private sector, ensuring that the university remains competitive with industry aligned practices, enhances collaboration with external partners, and supports the delivery of services and programs that meet professional and market-driven expectations.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Prior experience with specific techniques relevant to the lab's research, such as chemoproteomics, targeted protein degradation, high-throughput screening, or mass spectrometry.
2. A background in synthetic organic chemistry, including designing and synthesizing small-molecule probes.
3. Experience with advanced data analysis methods or computational modeling.
4. Prior experience in supervising or mentoring junior researchers.

Contact Information to Applicants

Luke Erber
erber@ku.edu

Additional Candidate Instruction

In addition to the online application, the following documents are required to be considered for this position:

• Cover letter describing how you meet the required and preferred qualifications
• Resume/CV
• List of three (3) professional references

Only complete applications will be considered.

Application review begins Monday, January 5th 2026. For consideration, please apply no later than Sunday, January 4th 2026.

Advertised Salary Range

$58,656.00

Application Review Begins

05-Jan-2026

Anticipated Start Date

01-Mar-2026

Primary Campus

University of Kansas Lawrence Campus

FTE

1.0

Reg/Temp

Regular

FLSA Status

Professional

Employee Class

U-Unclassified Professional Staff

Work Location Assignment

On-Site