Postdoctoral Associate
Requisition Number:
68750
Location:
Boulder, Colorado
City
Boulder
State
Colorado
Employment Type:
Research Faculty
Schedule:
Full-Time
Posting Close Date:
02-Jan-2026
Date Posted:
21-Nov-2025
Job Summary
The Syntrivanis group in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Colorado Boulder invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position in Organic Synthesis, to start in early 2026 or as soon as possible.
The position involves research at the cutting-edge of organic synthesis and chemistry automation. The successful candidate will develop new organic synthesis methods, and employ them in automated and High-Throughput Experimentation settings to establish autonomous, AI-driven platforms for the discovery of novel therapeutic agents.
The position is offered for one year in the first instance, with the possibility of extension subject to satisfactory performance.
CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Who We Are
As one of the nation's top-ranked Tier 1 research institutions, the Department of Chemistry is internationally recognized for its outstanding research efforts and education. The Chemistry faculty conduct research in all areas of chemistry, including analytical, materials and nanoscience, organic, and physical chemistry. The Department of Chemistry is a part of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Colorado Boulder, whose faculty conduct research, scholarship, creative work, and education in more than 60 fields. The college leads nationally in undergraduate and graduate education, bringing world-class research and scholarship to our students, both in and out of the classroom. The college is the academic home to all five of the university’s Nobel laureates. Additionally, it is home to the university’s four National Medal of Science winners, eight MacArthur "Genius Award" winners, 100 Fulbright Scholars, 17 Guggenheim Fellows, 14 Packard Fellows, 24 members of the National Academy of Sciences, and 23 members of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. CU-Boulder is the only university in the Rocky Mountain region in the American Association of Universities, a group of the nation’s leading research institutions.
What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be
- Carry out organic synthesis research in both traditional and automation settings under the supervision of the Principal Investigator.
- Independently manage day-to-day research activities, and propose novel solutions to research challenges.
- Drive multidisciplinary research by effectively communicating with collaborators working in Artificial Intelligence and in Biology.
- Assist in the day-to-day running of the lab.
- Mentor junior lab members.
- Assist in the preparation of manuscripts for publication in scientific journals.
What We Can Offer
Annual Salary - $60,000 - $65,000.
Benefits
At the University of Colorado Boulder, we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County’s largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.
Be Statements
Be creative. Be impactful. Be Boulder.
What We Require
The successful candidate will possess:
- A PhD in organic chemistry or a closely related discipline (or be close to completion).
- Strong research track record in complex molecule synthesis and/or synthetic method development.
- Extensive experience in the analysis, purification and structural determination of complex organic molecules using instrumental methods (NMR, HPLC, GC).
- Excellent command of written and spoken English, including in a scientific context.
- A drive to continuously learn and adopt new approaches, and to think outside the box in facing scientific challenges.
What We Would Like You to Have
In addition, the following criteria are desirable, but not essential:
- Previous experience working with laboratory automation, especially in a synthetic chemistry context, and/or
- Previous practical experience in chemoproteomics.
Special Instructions
To apply, please submit the following materials:
- Resume or CV
- Cover letter addressed to the Search Committee briefly describing your qualifications, professional goals, and specific interest in this position.
- (optional) Transcripts/Proof of Degree
If you are selected as the finalist, your degree will be verified by the CU Boulder Campus Human Resources department using an approved online vendor. If your degree was obtained outside of the United States, please submit a translated version as an optional attachment.
During the application process you will need to enter contact information for three references. Who will be contacted to provide a letter of recommendation and additional materials, if needed, as the search progresses.
For full consideration, please apply by January 2, 2026.
Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs.
In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.
Posting Contact Information
Posting Contact Name: Boulder Campus Human Resources
Posting Contact Email: Recruiting@colorado.edu