Job Description
We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral scientist (1–2 years of experience following terminal degree) to join an NIH/NCI-funded drug discovery laboratory. The ideal candidate has strong expertise in the design and synthesis of small molecules, along with classical structure determination using modern spectroscopic methods (¹H, ¹³C, ¹⁹F NMR) and mass spectrometry (MS). You will bring fresh energy and ideas to ongoing discovery efforts and actively contribute to the research program.
Working independently but in close cooperation and in consultation with the Principal Investigator and other Research Scientists, the Postdoctoral Scientist will perform routine and complex laboratory procedures throughout training period. May develop, adapt, and implement new research techniques and protocols.
Analyzes and interprets data. May assist in preparation of grant proposals. Participates in publications and presentations as author or co-author. Not responsible for generating grant funds.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, synthesize, purify, and characterize small-molecule compounds.
- Perform structure elucidation using ¹H/¹³C/¹⁹F NMR and MS; maintain meticulous experimental records.
- Propose hypotheses, plan experiments, and interpret data to drive hit-to-lead optimization.
- Author independent reports, manuscripts, and presentations; contribute to grant/research proposals.
- Collaborate effectively with PI, staff scientists, students, and research assistants; help mentor junior team members.
- Proactively identify technical challenges and propose innovative solutions.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
- May assist in the preparation of grant proposals, but is not responsible for generating grant funds.
- May participate in publications and presentations as author or co-author.
- Designs and performs experiments. Will keep appropriate experimental records and documentation and analyze the results with the Principal Investigator.
- May develop, adapt, and implement new research techniques and protocols.
- Analyzes interpret, summarizes, and compiles data.
- Performs routine and complex laboratory procedures throughout the training period.
- Operates and maintains equipment and instruments.
- May observe MD-patient or MD-human research subject interactions as it pertains directly to research being performed.
Qualifications
Requirements:
- Doctorate (MD, PhD, VMD, or DDS) in area directly related to field of research specialization.
Desirable Qualifications
- Experience in small-molecule synthesis and/or natural products' synthesis.
- Experience in anticancer drug discovery research.
- Demonstrated ability in organic synthesis.
- Demonstrated ability to generate independent reports, publications, and ideas.
- Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with laboratory members, including students and/or assistants.
To Apply
- This position is available immediately. Please email a single PDF (or a consolidated set of documents) including:
- Cover letter describing how you meet the minimum and desirable qualifications and outlining your research interests and career goals
- Current curriculum vitae (CV)
- 3 references with contact information (including email addresses)
- Send materials to: James Turkson, Ph.D. — james.turkson@cshs.org
Req ID : 12290
Working Title : Postdoctoral Scientist, Turkson Lab
Department : Cancer Institute
Business Entity : Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Job Category : Academic / Research
Job Specialty : Postdoctoral Scholar
Overtime Status : EXEMPT
Primary Shift : Day
Shift Duration : 8 hour
Base Pay : $30.00 - $45.00
Our compensation philosophy
We offer competitive total compensation that includes pay, benefits, and other recognition programs for our employees. The base pay range shown above takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including knowledge/skills; relevant experience and training; education/certifications/licensure; and other business and organizational factors. This base pay range does not include our comprehensive benefits package and any incentive payments that may be applicable to this role. Pay Transparency Non Discrimination Provision (PDF) (opens in new window)
Diversity and Inclusion at Cedars-Sinai
We are caretakers and innovators committed to the pursuit of equitable healthcare. But health equity is not possible without representation. Our commitment to diversity goes beyond demographics or checking boxes. Our people must reflect the diverse identities, experiences and geographies of the communities and patients we serve – because that’s what our patients, colleagues and communities deserve. Quality Care and Research—For All, By All (opens in new window).
Cedars-Sinai is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.
Cedars-Sinai does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of the race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, physical or mental disability, legally protected medical condition (cancer-related or genetic characteristics or any genetic information), marital status, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age (40 or older), military and/or veteran status or any other basis protected by federal or state law. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at Applicant_Accommodation@cshs.org and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.
Cedars-Sinai will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories, in accordance with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.
At Cedars-Sinai, we are dedicated to the safety, health and wellbeing of our patients and employees. This includes protecting our patients from communicable diseases, such as influenza (flu) and COVID-19. For this reason, we require that all new employees receive a flu vaccine based on the seasonal availability of flu vaccine (typically during September through April each year) as a condition of employment, and annually thereafter as a condition of continued employment, subject to medical exemption or religious accommodation. For the same reason, you may also be required to receive other vaccines such as COVID-19 as a condition of employment. Cedars-Sinai reserves the right to make modifications to its required list of vaccines as required by law and/or policy. Cedars-Sinai’s AA Policy Statement (PDF) (opens in new window)