The Post Doctoral Fellow will develop and synthesize small molecule dyes and peptide-based contrast agents for cancer and inflammation applications. The Post Doctoral Fellow will be responsible for synthesis, development, and evaluation of small molecule dyes (organic synthesis) and peptide-based contrast agents to target the tumor or inflammation. The Post Doctoral Fellow will also participate in testing and application of the small molecule dyes and peptide agents.

The Post Doc Fellow will work within our multi-disciplinary team to evaluate small molecule or peptide imaging signals and efficacy using both in vitro and in vivo experimentation in murine, swine, human of solid tumors and human inflammation. The Post Doc will have the opportunity to learn the biological aspects of testing the small molecule dyes and peptides in vitro and in vivo. The Post Doc will have the opportunity to learn about writing and submitting their own independent federal grants (USA) . Other responsibilities will include communicating results to the scientific community through publications and presentations, and supervising graduate students, clinical residents, and laboratory technicians. Weekly attendance and presentation of data at lab meeting is expected. Presentation of results for submission of manuscripts to international journals is expected for this position.

This position is funded by NIH grants.

Our ideal candidate will have:

• A Ph.D. in the field of organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, chemical engineering, biochemistry, bioengineering, biology or similar field;
• Prior research experience should include: organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, peptide-based agents, computational chemistry, or polymer chemistry;
• Experience with standard characterization techniques required;
• Experience with computational modelling of either small molecules or peptides is a benefit, but not required;
• Experience in in vitro testing of agents in cells is a benefit, but not required;
• Experience with manuscript writing, preparation of figures is required;
• Must show technical proficiency and have the ability to collaborate within a multi-disciplinary group;
• Must have good record keeping skills;
• Must follow safety procedures and maintain a safe work environment;
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to contribute in a multidisciplinary team setting are mandatory.

Keywords : chemistry, organic chemistry, peptides, synthesis, polymer chemistry, computational modelling, contrast agent, imaging

The position is full-time for one year with the option to extend dependent on Post Doc performance and available funding. This project builds upon the work of Dr. Lacey McNally, an NIH funded investigator for the last 15 years. Salary will be based on experience and will use the NIH scale.

Interested applicants can send their CV to lacey-mcnally@ouhsc.edu

The University of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity institution.  For more information go to http://www.ou.edu/eoo .