1

Postdoctoral Organic Synthesis Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Postdoctoral Associate Apply now Back to search results Job no: 535860 Work type: Research Faculty ... D. in organic synthesis, asymmetric catalysis or an appropriate related field. - Experience in ...

Doctoral or postdoctoral training at a top-20 global institution for chemistry or STEM . * Competitive fellowships such as NSF GRFP , Hertz , or Sloan Research Fellow . * Issued patents, spin-out ...

Apply Early

next page

Showing results 1-20

Postdoctoral Organic Synthesis information

See salary details

$25K

$59K

$83.5K

How much do postdoctoral organic synthesis jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoctoral organic synthesis in the United States is $59,022.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,000.00 and $66,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by postdoctoral researchers specializing in organic synthesis, 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 a Postdoctoral Organic Synthesis position?

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 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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Postdoctoral Organic Synthesis researcher, and why are they important?

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.
More about Postdoctoral Organic Synthesis jobs
What cities are hiring for Postdoctoral Organic Synthesis jobs? Cities with the most Postdoctoral Organic Synthesis job openings:
What states have the most Postdoctoral Organic Synthesis jobs? States with the most job openings for Postdoctoral Organic Synthesis jobs include:
Infographic showing various Postdoctoral Organic Synthesis job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 73% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 23% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,022 per year, or $28.4 per hour.
Postdoctoral Associate

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Virginia Tech rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 65 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

197th of 544 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Postdoctoral Associate
Job no: 535860
Work type: Research Faculty
Senior management: College of Science
Department: Chemistry
Location: Blacksburg, Virginia
Categories: Research / Scientific
Job Description
A Postdoctoral Associate position is available within the Ming Chen research group. The position will be focused on the development of asymmetric transformations catalyzed by transition-metal complexes. The project will involve the reaction development, mechanistic studies, and synthetic applications. The postdoctoral associate will perform parallel reaction condition screening, and use advanced analytical techniques on product identification.
Required Qualifications
- Recent Ph.D. in organic synthesis, asymmetric catalysis or an appropriate related field.
- Experience in reaction development and ligand synthesis.
- Strong work habits and the ability to work both independently and as part of a research team.
- Strong communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- First author research publications.
- Strong experience in asymmetric catalysis.
- Presentations at conferences and/or other instances of communicating research work.
Overtime Status
Exempt: Not eligible for overtime
Appointment Type
Restricted
Salary Information
Commensurate with experience
Hours per week
40 hours - exempt position
Review Date
04/15/26
Additional Information
The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.
About Virginia Tech
Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.
Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.
Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.
If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Leslie Cherry-Marshall at lmcherry@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
Advertised: April 1, 2026
Applications close:
Whatsapp Facebook LinkedIn Email App

What Virginia Tech employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Virginia Tech logo

About Virginia Tech

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Virginia Tech, guided by its motto "Ut Prosim" (That I May Serve), embraces a hands-on, interdisciplinary approach to educate scholars as leaders and problem-solvers. As a comprehensive land-grant institution, it enriches the quality of life in Virginia and worldwide, fostering an inclusive community focused on knowledge, discovery, and creativity. With over 280 majors, the university serves a diverse student body of more than 36,000 across undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Virginia Tech's presence extends throughout Virginia, including campuses in Northern Virginia, Roanoke, Newport News, and Richmond, along with multiple Extension offices and research centers. As a prominent global research institution, it conducts over $500 million in research annually.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Blacksburg, VA, US

Year founded

1872

Social media