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Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Chemistry

Employer
Wake Forest University
Location
Winston Salem, NC
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Faculty Jobs
Science & Technology, Chemistry & Biochemistry, Physical Sciences
Position Type
Postdoc
Employment Type
Full Time
Institution Type
Four-Year Institution
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Job Details

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Job Description Summary

The Lukesh research group at Wake Forest University, Department of Chemistry, invites applications for a postdoctoral research position in organic
chemistry/chemical biology. The successful candidate will work directly under the supervision of Prof. John Lukesh (https://lukeshjc.sites.wfu.edu), synthesizing small molecule donors (prodrugs) and reaction-based sensors for probing the chemical biology and therapeutic utility of reactive sulfur and selenium species. A strong background in multistep organic synthesis with a willingness to employ various analytical and biochemical methods and techniques is required. Prior experience culturing human tissue samples and conducting cell functional assays is preferred but not mandatory.

Job Description

Essential Functions:

  • Molecular design and multi-step organic synthesis

  • Investigating the chemical, photophysical, and biological properties of target molecules

  • Contributing ideas for new research projects or directions

  • Supervising and assisting with the technical training of undergraduate and graduate research students

  • Maintaining accurate and complete records of research, including laboratory notebooks and digital data records

  • Maintaining a safe working environment.

  • Authoring research articles for publication

Required Education, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

  • Ph.D in chemistry or a related area, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

  • Training and experience with modern synthetic chemistry (including air and water sensitive reagents), modern chromatography and spectroscopic methods or training and experience in biochemical assays, molecular biology and/or cell culture techniques.

  • Skilled in the safe and accurate use of chemical reagents.

  • Strong communication (verbal and written) skills.

  • Ability to work effectively in a group as part of a team.

  • Proficiency in the use of computers including spreadsheets, safety training and online ordering.

  • Ability to work with minimal supervision.

  • Moderate physical activity.

Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

  • Research background in synthetic organic chemistry and/or chemical biology

Accountabilities:

  • Responsible for own work.

  • Provide training and assist in the supervision of graduate and undergraduate research students

Physical Requirements:

  • Medium work. Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Stooping, kneeling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, lifting, fingering, feeling, talking, hearing. Close visual acuity.

Environmental Conditions:

  • Subject to inside environmental conditions.

  • Subject to hazards (chemicals). Proper personal protective equipment/fume hoods provided and maintained by Environmental Health and Safety.

Disclaimer:

This position profile identifies the key responsibilities and expectations for performance. It cannot encompass all specific job tasks that an employee may be required to perform. Employees are required to follow any other job-related instructions and perform job-related duties as may be reasonably assigned by the employee’s supervisor.

Additional Job Description

Time Type Requirement

Full timeNote to Applicant:This position profile identifies the key responsibilities and expectations for performance. It cannot encompass all specific job tasks that an employee may be required to perform. Employees are required to follow any other job-related instructions and perform job-related duties as may be reasonably assigned by his/her supervisor.

In order to provide a safe and productive learning and living community, Wake Forest University conducts background investigations and drug screens for all final staff candidates being considered for employment.

Wake Forest seeks to recruit and retain a diverse workforce while promoting an inclusive work environment committed to excellence in the spirit of Pro Humanitate. In adherence with applicable laws and as provided by University policies, the University prohibits discrimination in its employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, disability and veteran status and encourages qualified candidates across all group demographics to apply.

Organization

Wake Forest University, formed in 1834, has experienced decades of growth and innovation.  WFU is a distinctive university that combines a liberal arts core with graduate and professional schools and innovative research programs.  The University embraces the teacher-scholar ideal, which prizes the personal interaction between students and faculty.  It is a place where exceptional teaching, fundamental research and discovery, and the engagement of faculty and students in the classroom and the laboratory are paramount.

Wake Forest University is a community that seeks the enlightenment and freedom which come through diligent study and learning. Its higher goal, however, is to give life to the University motto "Pro Humanitate," as members translate a passion for knowledge into compassionate service. The community shares a tradition that embraces freedom and integrity and acknowledges the worth of the individual. The heritage, established by the school's founders and nurtured by succeeding generations, promotes a democratic spirit arising from open-mindedness and discourse. Wake Forest fosters compassion and caring for others. Its collective strength and character are derived from the values and distinctive experiences of each individual; therefore, it affirms the richness of human intellect and culture and its contribution to knowledge, faith, reason, and dialogue. Furthermore, it strives toward a society in which good will, respect, and equality prevail. To that end, Wake Forest University rejects hatred and bigotry in any form and promotes justice, honor, and mutual trust.​

The University is comprised of:  the undergraduate college, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, School of Business, School of Divinity, School of Law, and School of Medicine (located on the Bowman Gray campus with Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center) and today enrolls about 4,846 undergraduates and 2,823 students in graduate programs at its principal location, the Reynolda campus.  Students at Wake Forest University enjoy a great deal of access to and interaction with world-class faculty both in and out of the classroom setting with a student-faculty ratio of 11:1.  Wake Forest employs approximately 2,772 full and part-time faculty and staff.

Wake Forest is a collegiate university offering a vibrant, intellectual community with a rich cultural life, an impressive array of facilities, and a strong athletics program competing in the fifteen-team Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).  Since its founding, the university has adopted the motto “pro humanitate,” which is exemplified by a deep institutional commitment to public service and engagement with the world. Wake Forest has a strong commitment to holistic, eight-dimensional well-being for students, faculty and staff as evidenced in the Thrive initiative.

Winston-Salem, NC

Wake Forest is located in Winston-Salem, NC, a beautiful, mid-sized city centrally located in the Piedmont-Triad region of North Carolina.  Winston-Salem is a family-friendly city with high quality schools, numerous outdoor recreational activities and events, and is known for its vibrant and thriving arts scene.

Winston-Salem residents enjoy close proximity to the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains (1.5 hours) and Atlantic beaches (4 hours), a moderate climate with four distinct seasons, a very reasonable cost of living, and an eclectic variety of restaurants, wine bars, and breweries for dining with friends and family.  Winston-Salem offers many of the amenities of a large city but with the sense of community and quality of life of a smaller town (www.visitwinstonsalem.com).

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