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Postdoctoral Organic Synthesis Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Postdoctoral Organic Synthesis information

What is a postdoctoral organic synthesis?

A Postdoctoral Organic Synthesis position is a research-focused role for individuals who have recently completed their PhD in chemistry or a related field, specializing in the design and construction of organic molecules. Postdoctoral researchers in organic synthesis work in academic, government, or industrial laboratories to develop new synthetic methodologies, optimize reactions, and contribute to scientific publications. These positions are typically temporary, lasting one to three years, and serve as a bridge between doctoral studies and permanent research or faculty roles. The work often involves collaboration with other scientists, mentoring graduate students, and presenting research findings at conferences.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a postdoctoral organic synthesis researcher?

To thrive as a Postdoctoral Organic Synthesis researcher, you need a PhD in organic chemistry, advanced knowledge of synthetic methodologies, and experience with multi-step synthesis. Familiarity with analytical instruments such as NMR, HPLC, and mass spectrometry, as well as literature search tools like SciFinder, is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate results clearly are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies are essential for advancing complex research projects, ensuring experimental accuracy, and contributing effectively to scientific teams.

What are some common challenges faced by postdoctoral organic synthesis researchers, and how can they be addressed?

Postdoctoral researchers in organic synthesis often encounter challenges such as optimizing complex multi-step reactions, troubleshooting unexpected results, and managing tight project deadlines. Collaboration with other chemists and regular communication with supervisors can help overcome technical hurdles. Staying organized, keeping detailed lab notebooks, and remaining adaptable to changes in research direction are vital for success. Engaging in lab meetings and networking within the scientific community also helps in sharing knowledge and finding solutions to common problems.

What is the difference between Postdoctoral Organic Synthesis vs Postdoctoral Medicinal Chemistry?

AspectPostdoctoral Organic Synthesis

Postdoctoral Organic Synthesis focuses on designing, developing, and optimizing chemical reactions to create complex organic molecules. It often involves laboratory experimentation, synthesis of new compounds, and publication of research findings. This role typically requires a Ph.D. in Chemistry or a related field, with skills in laboratory techniques and organic reaction mechanisms. The work environment is primarily research labs in academia or industry, and the role is often a stepping stone for academic or industrial careers in chemical research.

What are popular job titles related to Postdoctoral Organic Synthesis jobs in Oregon?

For Postdoctoral Organic Synthesis jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Oregon are hiring for Postdoctoral Organic Synthesis jobs?

Cities in Oregon with the most Postdoctoral Organic Synthesis job openings:

Infographic showing various Postdoctoral Organic Synthesis job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 83% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


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Job description

The Center for Experimental Therapeutics (CET) at the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute is working to develop better treatments for cancer patients through collaboration within OHSU and with other academic centers, biotech, and pharma companies around the world. The center unites cutting-edge technologies with a multidisciplinary group of clinicians and scientists to advance drug discovery and development. OHSU is one of the few universities nationally to bring together the infrastructure to translate scientific discoveries from the lab into effective therapies for human diseases.

Every Knight Cancer employee is expected to embody our guiding principles:

  • We act BOLDLY—Breakthroughs require pushing the boundaries of science, exploring new frontiers, and thinking differently
  • We SUPPORT each other—Respect leads to trust, which leads to excellence
  • We work as a CONNECTED team — We must leverage our collective brain power to conquer cancer because no one individual can do it alone

The CET is seeking a Postdoc to join the Chemical Biology & Drug Discovery laboratory. Expertise in synthetic organic chemistry is essential for this position to drive the SAR optimization cycle and achieve project goals. The selected candidate will participate in establishing project goals, defining short and long-term scientific strategies, and contribute to the generation of project-related documents and presentations. They will collaborate with functional and technical experts to facilitate scientific achievement, and will be responsible for compliance with applicable Corporate and Divisional Policies and procedures. They will demonstrate a high degree of responsibility in maintaining scientific standards and safe laboratory practices for the work unit.

Duties include:

  • Conceive and executesynthetic/ medicinal chemistry research and development that achieves project and area goals. Generate new scientific synthetic and medicinal chemistry proposals and lead those efforts. Investigate, identify, develop, and optimize new methods/ techniques.
  • Critically evaluate relevant scientific advances and integrate this knowledge into research programs. Maintain a high level of productivity in the laboratory setting. Demonstrate the ability to resolve key project hurdles and assumptions by effectively utilizing available information and technical expertise.
  • Publish research in peer-reviewed journals and present work at scientific conferences. Proactively seek out new information in the literature and incorporate this into individual project(s) as well as the overall program. Effectively write and/or communicate research and regulatory materials.

  • Doctoral degree in medicinal/organic chemistry or a related discipline
  • Strong background and training in synthetic methodologies, retro-synthetic analyses, purification, and verification of chemical structure (e.g., NMR, mass spec, FT-IR, etc.)
  • Experience in designing and synthesizing structure-activity relationship (SAR) sets
  • Must have the ability to interact with an interdisciplinary group including disease area biologists, chemists, data analysts, laboratory biologists, and computer scientists
  • Ability to prioritize multiple tasks at one time
  • Excellent communication, analytical and organizational skills: both written and verbal, with the ability to develop, implement and clearly communicate chemistry strategies and progress to team
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team while being collaborative in resolving problems
  • Must be proficient with computers running Windows and PC applications e.g. MS Excel,Word and PowerPoint)

Apply online. Please be sure to upload a Cover Letter and Resume/CV.

We offer a variety of benefits on top of joining a thriving organization:

  • Medical, dental and vision coverage at no or low cost to employees
    • Covered 100% for full-time employees and 88% for dependents
  • Several retirement plans to choose from with contributions from OHSU
  • 120 hours of vacation time per year
  • 96 hours of sick leave a year (prorated for part-time employees)
  • Commuter subsidies
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Access to group life insurance, disability insurance and other supplemental benefits
  • Annual Raises
  • Growth/Development Opportunities
  • Employee discounts to local and major businesses

#linkedin #indeed #knightcancerjobs #knightpostdocjobs #knightinternal


We are Oregon's only public academic health center.
In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals. As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington.
All are welcome.
OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply.
To request reasonable accommodation, contact askhr@ohsu.edu

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About Oregon Health & Science University

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Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) is a distinguished institution under the industry of higher education and healthcare, specifically in the field of medical science. Based in Portland, Oregon, US, it maintains a reputation for promoting research, teaching, patient care, and outreach. Established in 1887, OHSU has continually sought to redefine the parameters of healthcare delivery and biomedical discovery through its expansive catalog of programs and initiatives. A galvanizing mission drives OHSU: to improve the health and quality of life for all Oregonians through excellence, innovation, and leadership in health care, education, and research.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Portland, OR, US

Year founded

1887