San Diego State University
Postdoctoral Research Scholar 0-5 yrs Experience
San Diego State University, San Diego, California, United States, 92189
Postdoctoral Research Scholar (0‑5 yrs Experience)
Join the San Diego State University – Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry to advance chemical biology and nucleic acid imaging. The position is budgeted at $5,858.67 per month and is non‑negotiable.
All applications received by October 24, 2025 are guaranteed full consideration. The position is open until filled. Submit a 2‑page research summary and statement of future interests to
bpurse@sdsu.edu .
About the Lab The Purse Lab develops next‑generation molecular tools and synthetic methods to advance nucleic acids chemical biology. Focus areas include: design of fluorescent nucleoside analogues, synthesis of modified nucleic acids, and application of these probes to visualize, interrogate, and modulate biomolecules in biological systems.
Core Responsibilities (75%)
Design and carry out multi‑step organic syntheses of novel nucleoside / nucleobase analogues.
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 (5%) Other duties as assigned.
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, MS, chromatography).
Strong problem‑solving skills, initiative, intellectual independence, and ability to plan and execute experiments.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Ability and enthusiasm to work in multidisciplinary, inclusive, and collaborative environments.
Project Specific Knowledge and Abilities
Familiarity with nucleoside / nucleobase chemistry or willingness to learn quickly.
Understanding of photophysical and fluorescent probe behavior in biologically relevant media.
Ability to work with biophysical / biochemical collaborators.
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 (publications, presentations, successful projects during Ph.D.).
Experience performing multi‑step syntheses, purification, and structural verification.
Prior experience in nucleic acid chemistry (oligonucleotide synthesis, nucleobase analogues, nucleoside modification).
Experience working with photophysical, spectroscopic, or biophysical assays (fluorescence spectroscopy, binding assays).
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 (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).
SDSU 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, 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, and other applicable state and federal anti‑discrimination laws.
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.
Equal Opportunity Statement San Diego State University and the SDSU Research Foundation are committed to equal opportunity employment and are proud that a diverse workforce helps drive academic excellence and innovation. Applications are reviewed by SDSU and the SDSU Research Foundation on the basis of qualifications, merit, and last name, first name, and date of birth.
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All applications received by October 24, 2025 are guaranteed full consideration. The position is open until filled. Submit a 2‑page research summary and statement of future interests to
bpurse@sdsu.edu .
About the Lab The Purse Lab develops next‑generation molecular tools and synthetic methods to advance nucleic acids chemical biology. Focus areas include: design of fluorescent nucleoside analogues, synthesis of modified nucleic acids, and application of these probes to visualize, interrogate, and modulate biomolecules in biological systems.
Core Responsibilities (75%)
Design and carry out multi‑step organic syntheses of novel nucleoside / nucleobase analogues.
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 (5%) Other duties as assigned.
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, MS, chromatography).
Strong problem‑solving skills, initiative, intellectual independence, and ability to plan and execute experiments.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Ability and enthusiasm to work in multidisciplinary, inclusive, and collaborative environments.
Project Specific Knowledge and Abilities
Familiarity with nucleoside / nucleobase chemistry or willingness to learn quickly.
Understanding of photophysical and fluorescent probe behavior in biologically relevant media.
Ability to work with biophysical / biochemical collaborators.
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 (publications, presentations, successful projects during Ph.D.).
Experience performing multi‑step syntheses, purification, and structural verification.
Prior experience in nucleic acid chemistry (oligonucleotide synthesis, nucleobase analogues, nucleoside modification).
Experience working with photophysical, spectroscopic, or biophysical assays (fluorescence spectroscopy, binding assays).
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 (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).
SDSU 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, 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, and other applicable state and federal anti‑discrimination laws.
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.
Equal Opportunity Statement San Diego State University and the SDSU Research Foundation are committed to equal opportunity employment and are proud that a diverse workforce helps drive academic excellence and innovation. Applications are reviewed by SDSU and the SDSU Research Foundation on the basis of qualifications, merit, and last name, first name, and date of birth.
#J-18808-Ljbffr