Postdoctoral Research Scholar

Overview

This position has been budgeted for $5,858.67 per month and is non-negotiable.

The position is open until filled. All applications received by October 24, 2025 are guaranteed full consideration.

All applicants are requested to submit a 2-page research summary including a statement on future research interests to [email protected].

The Purse Lab at San Diego State University develops next-generation molecular tools and synthetic methods to advance nucleic acids chemical biology. Its research centers on the design of fluorescent nucleoside analogues and molecular probes that enable new ways to visualize, interrogate, and modulate nucleic acids in biological systems. The Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry at SDSU supports a broad portfolio of research in synthetic chemistry, biochemistry, chemical biology, and materials science. The department provides access to modern core facilities (NMR, MS, spectroscopy, imaging) and fosters collaborations at the campus, regional, national, and international levels across chemistry, biology, and biotechnology.

The postdoctoral researcher will provide expertise in synthetic organic chemistry and chemical biology to drive a project focused on fluorescent nucleoside analogues, molecular probes, and synthetic methods for the artificial modification of nucleic acids. The position is central to advancing the laboratory’s objectives in the design, synthesis, and application of modified nucleic acids in biological, biophysical, and biotechnological contexts. The researcher’s contributions will support the development of next-generation tools for nucleic acid imaging and related applications to advance RNA-centered therapeutics. The role offers comprehensive training in organic synthesis, photophysics, and integration into biochemical assays involving nucleic acids, as well as experience in collaborations with biological and biophysical research groups, preparing the successful candidate with a versatile and competitive skill set.

Responsibilities

Core Responsibilities 75%

The lab-personnel must be able to perform project-related technical tasks in the following areas:

• Design and carry out multi-step organic syntheses of novel nucleoside / nucleobase analogues and derivative molecules.
• Develop and apply synthetic chemistry to whole oligonucleotides and nucleic acids.
• Purify, characterize, and validate synthetic intermediates and final compounds (e.g. NMR, MS, chromatography).
• Evaluate photophysical and spectroscopic properties of candidate probes.
• Work with collaborators and the internal team to integrate synthetic compounds into nucleic acid constructs or assays.
• Analyze and interpret results; troubleshoot synthetic and analytic challenges.

Position Specific Responsibilities 20%

• Prepare manuscripts, reports, and presentations; contribute to research planning and strategy.
• Mentor or train graduate or undergraduate students in synthetic methods and lab practices.
• Attend lab meetings, seminars, and participate in departmental and university activities as appropriate.

 Other Duties as Assigned 5%

Qualifications

Core Knowledge and Abilities

• Deep expertise in synthetic organic chemistry, including reaction design, optimization, purification, and structural characterization.
• Strong command of spectroscopic methods (¹H/¹³C NMR, mass spectrometry, chromatography, etc.).
• Strong problem-solving skills, initiative, intellectual independence, and ability to plan and execute experiments.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, ability to document work clearly and present results.
• Ability and enthusiasm to work in multi-disciplinary, inclusive, and collaborative environments.

Project Specific Knowledge and Abilities

• Familiarity with nucleoside / nucleobase chemistry or nucleic acid analogues (or willingness to learn quickly).
• Understanding (or ability and desire to develop understanding) of photophysical and fluorescent probe behavior in biologically relevant media.
• Ability to work with biophysical / biochemical collaborators (e.g. for evaluating probe behavior).
• Sensitivity to the demands of designing minimally perturbing molecular probes that integrate with nucleic acid frameworks.

Minimum Education & Experience

• A doctoral degree in an appropriate field
• 0-5 years of relevant experience

Preferred Qualifications & Special Skills

• PhD. in organic chemistry, chemical biology, or a related discipline, to be completed before appointment.
• Demonstrated record of creativity and research productivity (e.g. publications, presentations, successful projects during Ph.D.).
• Experience performing multi-step syntheses, purification, and structural verification.
• Prior experience in nucleic acid chemistry (e.g. oligonucleotide synthesis, nucleobase analogues, nucleoside modification).
• Experience working with photophysical, spectroscopic, or biophysical assays (fluorescence spectroscopy, binding assays, etc.).
• Experience mentoring or training more junior students or staff.
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to collaborative projects and to interface with external partners or industry collaborators.
• An awareness of challenges in probe design (e.g. steric perturbation, fluorescence quenching) and prior examples in literature.

Additional Applicant Information

• Candidate must reside in California and live within a commutable distance from SDSU at time of hire.
• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on background check results (including a criminal record check).
• San Diego State University Research Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU Research Foundation provides equal opportunity in employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin or any other categories protected by federal or state law.  
• Employment decisions are based on an individual’s qualifications as they relate to the job under consideration. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every employee has equal access to resources and support. 
• SDSU Research Foundation complies with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), and other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws including grant or contract terms and conditions related to funded program activities. Further the SDSU Research Foundation maintains a Nondiscrimination Policy that prohibits discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all programs, policies, and practices.  
• SDSU Research Foundation makes all employment decisions including, but not limited to, applicant screening, hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, benefits, disciplinary actions, and terminations on the basis of merit.