Postdoctoral Researcher –  Synthetic Organic & Medicinal Chemistry

A Postdoctoral Researcher position is immediately available in the VCU Department of Medicinal Chemistry to design, synthesize, and evaluate novel DNA gyrase inhibitors with potential application for treating multidrug-resistant bacterial infections.

The successful candidate will have a Ph.D. in Synthetic Organic or Medicinal Chemistry and a strong background in multi-step organic synthesis. This highly motivated candidate is expected to be responsible for the synthesis and structure activity relationships (SAR) development of novel DNA gyrase inhibitors, which are based on natural product leads.

Job Duties:

Laboratory research in synthetic organic and medicinal chemistry, including:

1. •Perform experiments independently with minimal supervision
   

2. •Conduct library work and computer searches for literature relative to research topic
   

3. •Perform multiple tasks and adapt to various methodologies in the laboratory
   

4. •Keep detailed notes and records pertaining to all research work
   

5. •Oversee the cleaning, organization, and maintenance of the laboratory and equipment
   

6. •Understand and comply with laboratory safety protocols and employ them all work
   

In additional to laboratory research work, the following scholarly work will also be expected:

1. •Attend and participate in scientific group meetings and departmental seminars
   

2. •Assist in the training of graduate students
   

3. •Assist the P.I. in preparation of research results for publication in scientific journals, grant applications, and presentation at scientific meetings
   

4. •Present research at scientific conferences
   

Interested applicants should apply by email to Dr. Keith C. Ellis, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University (kcellis@vcu.edu). Please attach a cover letter, CV, summary of research experience, and complete contact info for three professional references.

Review of applications begins immediately and will continue until the position is filled.  The position will begin on August 1st, 2011 or a mutually agreed upon date.

For more information on Dr. Ellis’ research please visit

http://www.pharmacy.vcu.edu/sub/faculty/facdetail.aspx?id=880.