Summary
The United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) is seeking a highly-motivated Postdoctoral Researcher with strong expertise in synthetic organic chemistry. The successful candidate will join a growing research program in collaboration with KAUST (KSA) focused on targeted drug delivery systems for potent epigenetic inhibitors, with applications in treating human cancers and neurological diseases. This is a 24-month appointment within a newly formed multidisciplinary research group.
Designation
Postdoctoral Fellow / Postdoctoral Researcher
Position Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Department | Chemistry – (COS) |
| Division | College of Science – (COS) |
| Grade | 19 |
| Posting Number | 5162 |
| Position Number | 602996 |
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Research Area
Synthetic Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, and Small-Molecule Drug Discovery.
Location
United Arab Emirates University (UAEU)
Eligibility/Qualification
- Minimum Qualification: Ph.D. in Chemistry (Organic, Synthetic, Medicinal Chemistry, or a closely related field).
- Preferred Qualification: Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry with a profile as a strong Synthetic Chemist and an interest in Drug Discovery.
- Experience Required: Extensive hands-on experience in multi-step organic synthesis, reaction design, route optimization, purification, and structural characterization (LC-MS, HPLC, NMR).
- Bonus Skills: Expertise or interest in medicinal chemistry, biologically relevant targets, in vitro analyses, and running cellular studies. High levels of independence, creativity, and problem-solving abilities are essential.
Job Description
The candidate will play a central role in establishing the synthetic and medicinal chemistry capabilities of the lab and is expected to drive the synthetic arm of the group. Major responsibilities include:
- Designing and executing multi-step organic synthesis for small-molecule compounds.
- Developing and optimizing synthetic routes for efficient compound generation.
- Applying modern synthetic methodologies (e.g., amide coupling, Pd-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions, organometallic chemistry).
- Utilizing protection and deprotection strategies in complex molecule synthesis.
- Purifying compounds using manual and automated chromatography systems.
- Performing structural characterization using HPLC, NMR, and MS.
- Maintaining detailed experimental records and reproducible workflows.
- Contributing to compound design and iterative optimization cycles.
- Collaborating with an interdisciplinary team on downstream applications.
- Preparing reports, presentations, manuscripts, and scientific publications.
- Assisting with grant writing, project proposals, and review articles.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should submit the following documents via the university’s application portal:
- Curriculum Vitae (with an updated publication list)
- Research Statement
- Cover Letter
Last Date for Apply
August 31, 2026
