Postdoctoral Associate in Synthetic Organic Chemistry

The Johnston Laboratory, Department of Chemistry in the College of Arts & Sciences at Vanderbilt University, is seeking applications from accomplished chemists for a position as a Postdoctoral Associate in synthetic organic chemistry.

Department Chemistry

The Johnston Laboratory is supported by multiple NIH awards covering transdisciplinary, collaborative research projects centered in chemistry but spanning chemical biology and therapeutic development. This position presents an exceptional opportunity to train within an outstanding organic synthesis program aligned with an institute (VICB) dedicated to translation of basic discoveries to the clinic.

• A position is available in catalysis aimed at leveraging Performance Enhancing Asymmetric Catalysis to new reactions using high throughput experimentation (HTE).
• A position is available in antiarrhythmic therapeutic development that aims to translate cyclic oligomeric depsipeptides to the clinic through structure-activity relationship studies, and the development of design principles for Beyond Rule of 5 (Bro5) candidates.
• A position is available in the development of innovative new amide bond-forming reactions for the synthesis of complex peptidic natural products exhibiting non-canonical residues.

Our laboratory enjoys modern research space that includes an extensive inventory of enabling instrumentation, including state-of-the‑art tools for organic synthesis experimentation. We are situated within Vanderbilt’s diverse scientific ecosystem that boasts over 2 million square feet of research space throughout the campus. Core facilities include small molecule NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry.

• 1. PhD in Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, or Chemical Biology
• 2. Strong experience in multi-step organic synthesis, including the rigorous structural determination of new molecular entities.
• 3. Demonstrated research excellence through first-author publications, or unpublished work of exceptional potential impact.
• 4. Ability to design, execute, and troubleshoot experiments independently in a small, fast‑paced research environment with superb documentation skills.
• 5. Capacity to develop as a scientist and intellect in an environment where receiving and providing mentoring is an expectation.

The ideal candidates will train in an area that is new and complementary to their graduate research. Their overall goal will be to acquire the additional training needed to successfully launch a career in research. Opportunities to develop both as an individual and a team player will include the exploration of new scientific thrusts, the detailed study of new chemistry, and successful publication in high‑impact journals.

The candidate must also embrace a lifestyle of continual learning and development that includes weekly reports and presentations of findings, summaries of leading‑edge developments in chemistry and its allied sciences, and problem‑solving exercises. Enthusiasm for training and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students is also a key character trait.