The Bahal Lab at the University of Connecticut (UConn) is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to join our multidisciplinary team developing next-generation nucleic acid therapeutics, targeted delivery technologies, and bioconjugate platforms. We are particularly interested in recent Ph.D. graduates.
Postdoctoral Research Associate
Organic, Medicinal & Glycochemistry for Nucleic Acid Therapeutics and Targeted Drug Delivery
Start Date : January 2027, with the possibility of an earlier start date.
Appointment Term : The initial appointment is for one year. It may be extended long-term based on performance.
Responsibilities
• Design and synthesize novel carbohydrate- and peptide-based ligands, glycoconjugates, oligonucleotide conjugates, and delivery systems
• Develop and optimize synthetic methods from milligram to gram scale, including conjugation strategies and structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies
• Purify and characterize compounds using NMR, LC-MS/MS, HPLC/UPLC, UV-Vis, and related techniques
• Evaluate candidates biologically through cell-based assays, pharmacological assays, and in vivo studies
• Independently design experiments, analyze data, troubleshoot problems, and lead projects
• Contribute to manuscripts, presentations, grant proposals, and trainee mentorship
Required Qualifications
• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Glycochemistry, Chemical Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, or a related field (recent graduates encouraged to apply)
• Strong expertise in organic synthesis, medicinal chemistry, or carbohydrate chemistry
• Experience with multi-step synthesis, purification, and analytical characterization
• Peer-reviewed publication record
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
Preferred Experience
• Nucleic acid therapeutics (ASO, siRNA, PNA)
• Solid-phase synthesis of oligonucleotides, peptides, PNAs, or related biomolecules, including automated oligonucleotide synthesis
• Click chemistry, hydrolyzable linker design, bioconjugation, and drug delivery systems
• Cell culture, molecular biology, qPCR, flow cytometry, confocal microscopy, or pharmacological assays
• PK/PD, biodistribution, and translational studies in mouse models
Application Materials
• Cover letter
• CV
• Research summary (maximum two pages)
• Contact information for three references
To Apply
Interested candidates should submit their application materials to Dr. Raman Bahal (raman.bahal@uconn.edu) or Dr. Vikas Kumar (vikas.kumar@uconn.edu), School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, with the subject line: “Postdoctoral Fellow Application – [Your Name]”.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis beginning immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
Early applications are strongly encouraged.
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