Job Description

Job Summary/Basic Function:

Serves in a temporary position that enables an individual with their Ph.D. to continue their training as a researcher and gain skills and experience that will prepare them for their research career in academia or elsewhere. As a postdoc, the position can perform mostly independent research, collaborate on a multi-scholar research initiative, or even may have lead responsibility for discrete components of a larger research project or program, all while under the general direction of a senior or principal researcher

Department Overview:

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers a Bachelor’s and Master of Science degrees in Chemistry. The department's vision is to “Promote student success through excellence in chemistry.” We realize this vision by providing exceptional student research experiences and a curriculum that includes developing critical thinking skills, independent research projects, instrumentation training, exceptional laboratory practices, and mastery of scientific writing.

As a Carnegie R2 ranked institution (Ph.D. granting, high research activity), we are dedicated to increasing high impact research. Our faculty members conduct research in areas such as drug discovery, medicinal chemistry & medical devices, cosmochemistry, prebiotic chemistry, archaeological science, computational chemistry, enzymology and enzyme mechanisms, RNA and protein chemistry, and polymer chemistry. Our faculty members participate and mentor Ph.D. graduate students in transdisciplinary programs including Materials Science and Engineering, Biomolecular Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Computing, and Systems Engineering (planned).

We are committed to a culture goal of “Work in a department that embraces a team spirit of cooperation and respect for all.” Please visit this website to learn about our department and faculty: https://www.boisestate.edu/chemistry/.

Level Scope:

After earning a Ph.D., the next step in the academic or research career path is often a postdoc. A postdoc is a continuation of a researcher’s training that enables them to further their professional development and start to transition from student to independent researcher. Postdocs also often take additional leadership or teaching responsibilities in their laboratory or department. These positions are usually two to three years and it is not unusual for a researcher to do more than one postdoc.

Essential Functions:

60% of Time the Postdoctoral Research Fellow may:

• Help design and conduct research on enzymes involved in primary and secondary metabolism while receiving advanced training from the Principal Investigator to develop the professional skills and research independence needed to pursue a scientific career.
• Design, conduct, and evaluate experiments.
• Develop new ideas and approaches that advance the laboratory’s research.
• Prepare and publish scientific manuscripts under the guidance of the Principal Investigator.
• Oversee the operation and routine maintenance of designated laboratory equipment.
• Teach research techniques and assist in training and supervising students and research personnel.

35% of Time the Postdoctoral Research Fellow may:

• Troubleshoot research challenges and help identify future research directions, as appropriate.
• Contribute to defined components of larger research projects under the general direction of a senior or principal investigator.
• Maintain accurate and thorough documentation of research activities in accordance with applicable data-management protocols.
• Assist in preparing research proposals, progress reports, and other scientific documents.
• Assist with teaching courses or laboratory classes, as needed.

5% of Time the Postdoctoral Research Fellow must:

Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Excellent teamwork and communication skills.
• Strong commitment to research integrity, laboratory safety, and ethical conduct.
• Ability to acquire accurate, reproducible data.
• Excellent project and time management skills.
• Strong interpersonal and mentoring skills.
• Excellent analytical and organizational skills
• Ability to work independently and as a team member.
• Strong work ethic and commitment to becoming an independent scientist.

Minimum Qualifications:

Requires a minimum of a Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree in a relevant discipline.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Expertise and hands-on experience in protein purification
• Experience in conducting enzyme assays and/or protein-binding assays.
• Demonstrated scientific writing skills, evidenced by manuscript preparation and peer-reviewed publications.
• Experience in small molecule synthesis.
• Experience handling microbes and bioassays.
• Experience in Schrodinger molecular docking, simulation and small molecule drug discovery packages.
• Design and synthesis of small-molecule chemical probes.
• Strong background in enzymology and mechanism of action studies.
• Experience working with acyl carrier proteins or lipid biosynthesis pathways is a plus.

Physical Demands:

This position is generally in a normal indoor office setting with minimal noise levels and may involve bending, moving, lifting, and carrying materials that weigh up to 15 pounds.

Salary and Benefits:

Salary range is $55,057.60 to $60,000 annually and is commensurate with experience. Boise State University provides a best-in-class benefits package, including (but not limited to):

• 12 paid holidays AND the University is closed between Christmas and New Year's (requires use of 3 vacation days)
• Between 12-24 annual paid vacation days for full-time Professional and Classified staff depending on position type and years of service
• 10.76% University contribution to your ORP retirement fund (Professional and Faculty employees)
• 11.96% University contribution to your PERSI retirement fund (Classified employees)
• Excellent medical, dental and other health-related insurance coverages
• Tuition fee waiver benefits for employees, spouses and their dependents
• See our full benefits page for more information!

Required Application Materials:

Interested applicants must submit a CV and a cover letter describing your background, past training and skillsets that fit this position. After initial screening of application materials, appropriate candidates will be contacted for letters of reference.

About Us:

Nestled along the Boise River and steps from the state capitol, Boise State University fosters a vibrant and welcoming academic environment that fuels student and employee success. We’re a trailblazing institution, nationally recognized for our innovative spirit and commitment to positive impact on Idaho and beyond.

We’re building a thriving community of faculty and staff whose unique skills, experiences, and perspectives come together to create a rich and rewarding academic experience. Applications from all backgrounds are welcomed.

Learn more about Boise State and living in Idaho’s Treasure Valley at https://www.boisestate.edu/about/