The Department of Chemistry at Virginia Tech is seeking a motivated postdoctoral associate for an NIH-funded, collaborative, medicinal chemistry project to optimize two promising antimalarial drug candidates. Malaria imposes an enormous burden on public health, particularly in Africa, and is responsible for nearly half a million deaths annually. Malaria parasites are now resistant to all known malaria drugs, and vaccines still show low efficacy. Thus new malaria drugs are urgently needed.
Working in the laboratory of Dr. Paul Carlier, the postdoctoral associate will synthesize drug candidates and molecular probes. These compounds will be evaluated in the laboratory of a collaborator, and data received will guide the next cycle of design and synthesis.
• research activities (high degree of independence in the design and execution of experiments and analysis of data)
• maintain accurate records of laboratory activities
• assist with laboratory organization, management, and personnel training
• present results in lab meetings and at local and national scientific conferences
• PhD in chemistry. PhD must be awarded no more than four years prior to the effective date of appointment with a minimum of one year eligibility remaining.
• publications in organic synthesis
• ability to organize duties and to work independently as well as within a research group
• experience with multistep organic synthesis and reaction optimization
• experience in medicinal chemistry and analyzing structure-activity relationships
• ability to maintain careful and organized records
• ability to work productively in a collaborative environment