Postdoctoral Researcher

Position Overview

The IRACDA Program at the University of Kansas (KU) is accepting applications for postdoctoral scholarships. We are seeking scholars who are excited about a postdoctoral experience that combines both research and teaching/education.

The KU IRACDA (Institutional Research and Academic Career Development Awards) is a postdoctoral training program supported by NIH-NIGMS. We seek to prepare postdoctoral scholars for careers in academia by providing a mentored research experience and opportunities to gain skills in education and teaching. Scholars will spend ~75% of their time conducting biomedical research relevant to the NIGMS mission, and ~25% of their time on teaching-related activities.

Postdoctoral scholars will be mentored in research by a KU faculty member. Faculty in the following departments on the KU-Lawrence campus are affiliated with the KU IRACDA program: Molecular Biosciences, Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, Chemistry, Pharmacology & Toxicology, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, and Medicinal Chemistry. Additionally, faculty in the KU Cancer Center (some of whom are based at KU Medical Center in Kansas City) are also affiliated with the KU IRACDA. All these groups provide an excellent environment for research development in a range of biological and biomedical fields, and these mentored research experiences will be supplemented by skill-development workshops.

In addition, the KU IRACDA provides scholars with an opportunity to gain teaching skills via mentored teaching experiences at one of two partner institutions: Haskell Indian Nations University (based in Lawrence, KS) and Kansas City Kansas Community College.

Applicants must be US citizens or permanent residents with no more than 2 years of postdoctoral training at the time of their appointment to the program.

We strongly encourage applicants to identify a research mentor prior to applying (see links above), and the program directors can assist in this process. We have 3 open positions, each of which can be supported for up to 3 years. The anticipated start date is 1 August 2026 (but this is flexible).

Job Description

75% - Carry out primary, NIGMS-relevant research in a supportive, mentored environment. Projects will vary depending on the research group the successful candidate joins. Candidates will learn both domain-specific and general research skills, and will be expected to present research at conferences/symposia and in publications.

25% - Successful candidates will take part in various training workshops to enhance their skills, observe instructors as they teach classes, and – later during the scholarship – serve as instructor-of-record for undergraduate, STEM-related courses.

Required Qualifications

1. A PhD in biology, chemistry, or a related discipline.
2. A first-author publication (or preprint) that shows your ability to initiate and execute a research project.
3. Demonstrated interest in a postdoctoral experience that will combine research and teaching/education (as evidenced by application materials).
4. Excellent communications skills (as evidenced by application materials).

NOTE: To be appointed at the Postdoctoral Researcher title or equivalent title, it is necessary to have the Ph.D. in hand. Appointments made without a certified transcript indicating an earned doctorate are conditional hires and are appointed on an Acting basis not to exceed 6-months. Appointment duration will be extended upon final verification of degree.

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.

Additional Candidate Instructions

A complete online application will include the following:

• CV/resume
• a description of your PhD research (2 pages maximum)
• a description of your proposed research project at KU (1 page maximum)
• a document that describes your academic career goals/interests, and that describes your interests in a career that integrates research and teaching (1 page maximum)
• contact information for 3 academic references.

We strongly recommend applicants confirm a research mentor ahead of applying. In this case, 1 of the 3 referees should be the proposed mentor. (The KU IRACDA program directors will obtain all letters on behalf of applicants).

We will also accept applications from individuals who have yet to confirm a research mentor. In this instance, we request candidates provide the names of 2-4 potential mentors, and – following submission of the application – the KU IRACDA program directors will have these individuals review candidate application materials.

Application review begins Monday, March 23, 2026, and will continue until a qualified pool of applicants is identified. Contact Information to Applicants Stuart Macdonald (785) 864-5362 sjmac@ku.edu

Advertised Salary Range Minimum salary $57,900. Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. Application Review Begins Monday March 23, 2026 Anticipated Start Date Monday August 3, 2026 Apply to Job