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Drug Design Postdoc Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Mount Sinai Hospital

Postdoctoral Fellow-MSH

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$72K - $80K/yr

... postdoctoral fellow for novel small molecule drug discovery projects in interesting therapeutic ... The role will require the structure-based drug design and synthesis of novel medicinal compounds ...

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How much do drug design postdoc jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for drug design postdoc in the United States is $29.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.76 and $30.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Drug Design Postdocs when transitioning from academic research to working in a collaborative, interdisciplinary team?

Drug Design Postdocs often encounter the challenge of adapting from independent academic research to a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary environment. In industry or large research groups, postdocs work closely with medicinal chemists, biologists, computational scientists, and project managers, requiring strong communication and teamwork skills. Managing multiple project timelines and integrating feedback from various experts can be demanding but also offers valuable exposure to diverse scientific perspectives. Embracing this collaborative structure can enhance problem-solving abilities and open up opportunities for career growth in both academia and industry.

What is a Drug Design Postdoc?

A Drug Design Postdoc is a researcher who has completed their PhD and is engaged in postdoctoral training focused on the discovery and development of new pharmaceutical compounds. They typically work in academic, government, or industry settings, using computational, chemical, or biological methods to identify and optimize drug candidates. Their work often involves collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and may include tasks like molecular modeling, bioassays, and structure-activity relationship studies. The goal is to advance scientific understanding and contribute to the development of new therapies for diseases.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Drug Design Postdoc, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Drug Design Postdoc, you need a Ph.D. in chemistry, biochemistry, or a related field with strong expertise in molecular modeling, medicinal chemistry, and structure-based drug design. Familiarity with computational drug discovery tools (like Schrödinger Suite, MOE, or AutoDock), molecular dynamics simulations, and experience with relevant programming languages are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and collaborative communication skills help in designing experiments and working within multidisciplinary research teams. These competencies are vital for advancing drug discovery projects efficiently and contributing innovative solutions to complex biomedical challenges.
Infographic showing various Drug Design Postdoc job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,710 per year, or $29.2 per hour.
Post-Doc Research Associate

Post-Doc Research Associate

UNC-Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 48 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

262nd of 534 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Posting Details
Department Pharmacology - 424001 Posting Open Date 09/25/2023 Application Deadline Open Until Filled Yes Position Type Postdoctoral Scholar Position Title Post-Doc Research Associate Vacancy ID PDS003971 Full-time/Part-time Full-Time Temporary Hours per week 40 FTE 1 Work Location Chapel Hill, NC Position Location North Carolina, US Hiring Range Proposed Start Date 10/23/2023 Estimated Duration of Appointment 12 Months
Position Information
Be a Tar Heel! Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit
The UNC School of Medicine has a rich tradition of excellence and care. Our mission is to improve the health and wellbeing of North Carolinians, and others whom we serve. We accomplish this by providing leadership and excellence in the interrelated areas of patient care, education, and research. We strive to promote faculty, staff, and learner development in a diverse, respectful environment where our colleagues demonstrate professionalism, enhance learning, and create personal and professional sustainability. We optimize our partnership with the UNC Health System through close collaboration and commitment to service.
OUR VISION
Our vision is to be the nation's leading public school of medicine. We are ranked 2nd in primary care education among all US schools of medicine and 5th among public peers in NIH research funding. Our Allied Health Department is home to five top-ranked divisions, and we are home to 18 top-ranked clinical and basic science departments in NIH research funding.
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians and others whom we serve. We accomplish this by providing leadership and excellence in the interrelated areas of patient care, education, and research.
Patient Care: We will promote health and provide superb clinical care while maintaining our strong tradition of reaching underserved populations and reducing health disparities across North Carolina and beyond.
Education: We will prepare tomorrow's health care professionals and biomedical researchers by facilitating learning within innovative curricula and team-oriented interprofessional education. We will cultivate outstanding teaching and research faculty, and we will recruit outstanding students and trainees from highly diverse backgrounds to create a socially responsible, highly skilled workforce.
Research: We will develop and support a rich array of outstanding health sciences research programs, centers, and resources. We will provide infrastructure and opportunities for collaboration among disciplines throughout and beyond our University to support outstanding research. We will foster programs in the areas of basic, translational, mechanistic, and population research.
Position Summary
The Miao Lab in the Computational Medicine Program and Department of Pharmacology at the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill (https://www.med.unc.edu/pharm/directory/yinglong-miao/) is looking for two highly motivated Postdoctoral fellows to work on accelerated molecular simulations and AI-driven drug discovery.
Research projects in the Miao Lab include development of novel theoretical and computational methods and AI techniques for accelerated simulations of biomolecular recognition (such as drug binding and protein-protein interactions) and cellular signaling, and cutting-edge applications in drug discovery of critical targets including G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), membrane-embedded proteases, RNA-binding proteins and RNA. In collaboration with world-leading experimentalists in pharmacology, structural biology, biochemistry and medicinal chemistry, the new postdoc will have the opportunity to work on unprecedented simulations and AI-driven drug discovery of functionally important biomolecules for treatments of neurological disorders, heart failure and cancers.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
A Ph.D. and/or M.D. in biomedical or related sciences is required.
Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
The position requires knowledge and training in computational biophysics/chemistry and drug design. The researcher will conduct research to forward the developments of biomolecular modeling and computer-aided drug design. The researcher will also be engaged in developing proposals for new funding sources, publishing and presenting research topics as applicable.
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
Candidates are expected to have strong publication record in biomolecular modeling and computational biophysics/chemistry. Programming skills (e.g., bash scripting, python, Fortran, C++ and CUDA), expertise in computational modeling (such as Molecular Dynamics, virtual screening, free energy calculations and Deep Learning), successful experimental collaboration experiences and excellent communication skills are preferred.
Special Physical/Mental Requirements Special Instructions
For information on UNC Postdoctoral Benefits and Services click here
Quick Link https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/265566
Posting Contact Information
Department Contact Name and Title Maria Montemurro, HR Consultant Department Contact Telephone or Email maria_montemurro@med.unc.edu Postdoctoral Affairs Contact Information
If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the University's Equal Employment Opportunity office at (919) 966-3576 or send an email to equalopportunity@unc.edu.
Please note: The Equal Employment Opportunity office will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
The University is an equal opportunity, employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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About University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-Chapel Hill), located in Chapel Hill, NC, US, is renowned for being one of the leading research institutes in the world. Operating within the education industry, this public research university offers a broad range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines. UNC-Chapel Hill was chartered in 1789 and has maintained its legacy of academic excellence and innovative research for more than two centuries. The institution operates under the core values of excellence, innovation, engagement, accessibility, diversity, and inclusivity. Their mission is to serve the people of North Carolina and the United States by teaching a diverse community of students to become the next generation of leaders.

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Colleges, universities, and professional schools

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10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Chapel Hill, NC, US

Year founded

1789

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