Job Description

Postdoctoral Research Associate I Posting Number req27306 Department Pharmacology and Toxicology Department Website Link https://www.pharmacy.arizona.edu/departments-directory/pharmacology-toxicology-department Location Tucson Campus Address Tucson, AZ USA Position Highlights

The R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate I for Dr. Xinglong Wang's laboratory. The successful candidate will conduct research focused on the discovery and development of novel small-molecule therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases. The position will involve medicinal chemistry, compound design and synthesis, structure–activity relationship studies, and optimization of lead compounds for biological activity and drug-like properties.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, vision, and life insurance; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

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Duties & Responsibilities

• Design, synthesize, purify, and characterize novel small molecules and analogs for drug discovery and lead optimization.
• Conduct structure–activity relationship studies and optimize compounds for potency, selectivity, physicochemical properties, and drug-like characteristics.
• Collaborate with laboratory members to evaluate compounds using biochemical, cellular, and other pharmacological assays and use the results to guide compound optimization.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data; prepare manuscripts, research reports, presentations, and materials supporting grant applications.
• Maintain accurate research records, contribute to laboratory operations, and assist with management of chemical reagents, instrumentation, and research resources.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong knowledge of medicinal chemistry and/or synthetic organic chemistry.
• Knowledge and experience in the design and synthesis of small molecules and structure–activity relationship studies.
• Ability to demonstrate proficiency in compound purification and characterization using techniques such as chromatography, HPLC, LC-MS, and NMR.
• Ability to independently design experiments, analyze data, troubleshoot synthetic approaches, and communicate research findings.
• Strong scientific writing, communication, organizational, and collaborative skills.

Minimum Qualifications

• PhD in medicinal chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, organic chemistry, chemical biology, or a closely related field upon hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in medicinal chemistry and lead optimization; structure-based or computational drug design; ADME/PK or drug metabolism studies; biochemical or cell-based compound screening; and/or drug discovery for neurological or neurodegenerative diseases.
• A strong peer-reviewed publication record is preferred.

FLSA Exempt Full Time/Part Time Full Time Number of Hours Worked per Week 40 Job FTE 1.0 Work Calendar Fiscal Job Category Research Benefits Eligible Yes - Full Benefits Rate of Pay NIH salary guidelines, Depends on Experience Compensation Type salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE) Type of criminal background check required: Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive) Number of Vacancies 1 Target Hire Date Expected End Date Contact Information for Candidates Xinglong Wang I xlwang@arizona.edu Open Date 10/8/2026 Open Until Filled Yes Documents Needed to Apply Curriculum Vitae (CV) and Cover Letter Special Instructions to Applicant Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University’s campuses. These reports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures.

Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at cleryact@arizona.edu.