Postdoctoral Scholar-Fixed Term

Position Summary

The Lee laboratory at Michigan State University (MSU) is seeking a highly motivated, creative, and collaborative Postdoctoral Scholar in synthetic/medicinal chemistry or chemical biology to join our multidisciplinary drug discovery team. The scholar will play a key role in three translational programs focused on (1) neurological disorders, (2) metabolic disorders, and (3) a rare genetic neurodegenerative disease. This position will be for a one-year, fixed term role with the possibility of renewal depending on performance and funding availability. 

Supported by the MSU Research Foundation (MSURF) Postdoctoral Scholar Program, this position is designed for a talented recent PhD who wants to expand beyond synthetic chemistry and develop into a well-rounded drug discovery scientist. The scholar will design and synthesize novel small molecules while receiving hands-on training in SAR/lead optimization, high-throughput screening, in vitro ADME/drug metabolism, pharmacokinetics and PK modeling, target engagement, and in vivo pharmacology. Prior expertise in these areas beyond synthetic chemistry is not required—we are looking for someone who is eager to learn, highly coachable, receptive to feedback, and enthusiastic about developing new scientific skills and has demonstrated has good communication and collaborative skills.

Key responsibilities and opportunities include:

    Design and synthesize novel small molecules and optimize their potency and drug-like properties.
    Integrate medicinal chemistry, ADME/PK, target-engagement, and in vivo data to guide lead optimization.
    Collaborate closely with chemists, biologists, pharmacologists, and other scientists on multidisciplinary drug discovery projects.
    Participate in high-throughput in vivo screening to discover therapeutic targets and candidates for a rare neurodegenerative disease.
    Apply emerging technologies, including AI-assisted drug discovery, where scientifically appropriate.
    Publish high-impact research, present at scientific meetings, and contribute to manuscripts and proposals.
    Receive dedicated mentoring toward scientific independence and NIH career-transition awards or equivalent fellowships.

We seek candidates with a PhD in organic/synthetic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, chemical biology, or a related field and strong expertise in multistep organic synthesis and compound characterization. Equally important, the successful candidate should be a team-oriented scientist who communicates openly, welcomes constructive feedback, learns quickly, supports colleagues, and is motivated to grow both scientifically and professionally. This position is particularly suited for candidates seeking careers in pharmaceutical/biotechnology R&D, medicinal chemistry, translational science, or academic drug discovery.

As an institution of higher learning, Michigan State University is committed to providing a safe environment for its students, faculty, and staff in support of its educational mission. With this commitment, the University conducts criminal background checks and professional misconduct reviews of all applicants for employment in faculty, academic staff, and executive management searches.

Professional Misconduct Review

A professional misconduct review is a prerequisite for a candidate to be selected for this position. Applicants will be asked to disclose whether they are subject to any pending investigation, findings or sanctions related to professional misconduct. Professional misconduct includes misconduct related to a person’s employment, including, but not limited to, theft, embezzlement, research integrity, discrimination, or harassment under civil rights laws and policies, including protected identity harassment, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct (sexual assault, sexual exploitation, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, etc.), and retaliation. All applicants will be asked to sign an authorization and release, which authorizes the University to contact the candidate’s current and former employers, for a period of 7 years prior to the date of application, related to any pending investigations, findings of responsibility and/or sanctions related to professional misconduct. Nothing will be sent to current or former employers unless the candidate reaches the semi-finalist stage.

The existence of professional misconduct history does not automatically exclude a candidate from employment. The University will assess the history, including any information provided by the candidate, in determining whether it is compatible with the position. The University may decline to hire a candidate based on the professional misconduct review. All records obtained from external employers will be kept in a secure location, separate from personnel files. If an applicant fails to sign the authorization and release, the application will be deemed incomplete and will be withdrawn.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Terminal -Chemistry or Chemistry-related

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired through completing a PhD program in chemical science/pharmacology or related fields (Chemistry, biochemistry, chemical biology, chemical engineering, Pharmacology and Toxicology etc); with at least 5 years of experience in organic synthesis and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in overseeing research projects and laboratory operations, operating and maintaining a variety of laboratory equipment, performing specialized and difficult analytical and research techniques and assays, and designing research experiments; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Highly experienced in scientific communications including but not limited to presentation, manuscript and proposal preparations.

Desired Qualifications

Experience or Sound knowledge of bioassays and or high throughput screening Is desired. Experience in automatic flash chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) purification would be considered a strength. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.  Experience in team science setting is highly desired. Works independently and leads from the bench.  Demonstrates creative initiative and successful in securing grants/fellowships would be considered an advantage. Milestones oriented with effective problem-solving skills.  Open to suggestions and able to critically evaluate and embrace new or different ideas.

Required Application Materials

Cover letter and CV

Special Instructions

Please provide 3 references knowledgeable of your work.

Review of Applications Begins On

10/05/2026

Website

https://phmtox.msu.edu/

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.