Postdoctoral Fellow - Cell Membrane Active Polymers

Position Overview and Responsibilities:
The School of Pharmacy, Department of Medicinal Chemistry invites you to apply for our postdoctoral fellow position! We have developed a series of prototype membrane active polymers. We are the first in the world to determine the highest-resolution cryo-EM structures of a patch of native cell membrane lipid bilayer together with a membrane protein transporter using our developed membrane active polymer. Our work revealed the importance of the lipids as crucial part of the integrity of the structure and function of membrane proteins. We are pioneering a revolutionary technology development for membrane protein sciences and related drug discovery. Our technology titled ‘Native Cell Membrane Nanoparticles System’ is currently supported by an R01 grant from NIH (NIGMS).

We are seeking a polymer chemist or organic scientist to support discovery activities (designing and developing) for new polymer materials. The postdoctoral fellow will develop cell membrane active polymers for membrane protein research. The incumbent will play a key role in multidisciplinary team of scientists and identify new materials, formulations, and performance targets through collaboration with other research groups and industrial partners to address new opportunities for future applications.

Key responsibilities of this position include:
• Materials design based on target performance criteria
• Formulation optimization and analysis
• Hands-on chemical synthesis, modification and scale-up
• Development and validation of materials synthesis, characterization, and performance evaluation protocols
• Design of experiments
• Critical review of literature to identify state of the art technology applications
• Collaborate with structural biologists and cross-functional teams
• Presentation of technology to the laboratory, collaborators and at local, national, and international conferences
• Prepare manuscripts and patent filings

Required Qualifications:
• Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff and student environment or commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU
• Ph.D. in Chemistry, chemical engineering, polymer science or a related discipline
• Experience in materials and polymer, polymer materials modification and characterization, and formulation development
• Fundamental understanding of material synthesis, characterization, structure-property relationships and utilization towards application development
• The ability to work in a team-oriented, interdisciplinary environment that embraces change, risk, and flexibility while working on multiple projects simultaneously
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and with a team with sense of urgency for timelines while leading on technical aspects within project teams.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Proven problem-solving skills and good interpersonal relationship and people skills
• Strong organizational and analytical skills

Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience in developing novel materials, including polymers, formulations, polymeric systems, and related material development

Required Application Materials:
For immediate consideration, email the following documents to Dr. Youzhong Guo (yguo4@vcu.edu):
1) Cover letter
2) CV
3) A minimum of two reference letters


Salary Range: minimum salary of $47,476


Position Details:

Department: School of Pharmacy, Department of Medicinal Chemistry
Employment Type: PD - Post Doc
Restricted Status: Yes
FTE: 1
Exemption Status: Exempt