Job Description

The School of Pharmacy, Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences at Chapman University, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Pharmaceutical Sciences position effective Summer or Fall 2026.

Chapman University has gained national recognition for its commitment to excellence through innovative research and teaching. Located on the Chapman University Rinker Health Science Campus in Irvine, California, CUSP offers a professional PharmD program and MS and PhD programs in Pharmaceutical Sciences. The Biomedical & Pharmaceutical Sciences department currently employs 21 full-time faculty with research interests in drug discovery and development, pharmacology, structural biology, immunology, drug delivery, and pharmacodynamics. Chapman University has made significant infrastructure investments to enhance biomedical and pharmaceutical research programs at CUSP. The new facilities consist of state-of-the-art research laboratories, vivarium, core facilities, and equipment. More information about CUSP is available at http://www.chapman.edu/pharmacy

Chapman University is a nationally ranked, R2 Carnegie Classified, private institution offering traditional undergraduate and graduate programs in the heart of Orange County, one of Southern California’s most diverse and vibrant regions. Chapman’s campuses are home to nearly 10,000 students representing 50 states, three territories, and 87 countries. The 11 schools and colleges of Chapman, including Chapman School of Pharmacy, offer 65 bachelors, 53 master, and six doctoral programs, along with nearly 60 minors and 17 accelerated and bridge programs. Classes are taught by the more than 1,100 dedicated faculty members who are leaders in their fields, including Nobel Prize recipients, MacArthur Fellows, National Medal of Science honorees, former U.S. Supreme Court clerks, and Emmy, Grammy, and Academy Award winners.

Responsibilities

The postdoctoral fellow will provide support to the principal investigator and will be working in a lab that focuses on the design and synthesis of peptide-based therapeutics, including peptide-drug conjugates and nanoparticle delivery systems, with the goal of developing novel anticancer strategies.

The postdoctoral fellow plans, designs, and conducts highly technical and complex research projects independently and in consultation with the supervisor. This includes analysis of research data and providing interpretations, contributing to the development of research documentation for publication and/or presentations, as well as preparing technical reports, papers, graphs, and/or records.

• Lead research projects integrating chemical synthesis, including peptide and peptide-drug conjugate synthesis, with biological assays and mechanistic studies to develop and evaluate novel anticancer therapeutics
• Design and conduct in vitro and in vivo anticancer assays, including animal model studies, to assess therapeutic efficacy
• Participate in manuscript and and internal and external presentations
• Maintain full and clear records of experimental data, laboratory protocols, and research notes
• Supervise and mentor undergraduate and graduate students in their research
• Manage laboratory supplies, including ordering, receiving, and inventory maintenance
• Maintain laboratory equipment and ensure protocols are current

Qualifications

Required

• Candidates must have a Ph.D. or equivalent degree. A Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry, Biomedical Sciences, Biological Sciences, or a closely related field is required.
• Demonstrated experience in peptide synthesis and/or nanoparticle synthesis, as evidenced by peer-reviewed publications or significant research experience.
• Competitive applicants will have at least one or more peer-reviewed publications as a coauthor.
• Highly motivated individual capable of independent thinking who also thrives in a collaborative, interdisciplinary research environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred

• Experience with peptide-drug conjugate design and synthesis.
• Experience with in vitro biological assays and in vivo anticancer testing using animal models.
• Experience with nanoparticle formulation and characterization.
• Experience mentoring junior researchers or students.

Application Instructions

Qualified candidates are invited to electronically submit the following:

1. Letter of application
2. Curriculum Vitae
3. Reprints of publications or other examples of scholarly work

Inquiries can be directed to the Search Committee Chair, Keykavous Parang, parang@chapman.edu, and use “Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Pharmaceutical Sciences” as the email subject line.

Application reviews will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Salary is competitive and will be commensurate with experience. This position is contingent on final budget approval. The annual salary for this position is $70,304. Successful completion of a background check is required for the final candidate.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Chapman University is an equal opportunity employer that provides equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of their protected characteristics. All qualified applicants and employees are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.