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Postdoctoral Small Molecules Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Postdoctoral Fellow Nett Lab

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$54K - $73K/yr

... small molecules, as well as how these molecules function in nature and in the context of human health. We are looking to hire postdoctoral fellows that share this interest in understanding the ...

Postdoctoral Fellow, Neurology

Galveston, TX · On-site

$46K - $62K/yr

The postdoctoral fellow will conduct, report and present research in his/her field of study under ... Will test leading small molecules that are effective against toxic tau oligomer in primary neuronal ...

Postdoctoral Fellow, Neurology

Galveston, TX · On-site

$46K - $62K/yr

The postdoctoral fellow will conduct, report and present research in his/her field of study under ... Will test leading small molecules that are effective against toxic tau oligomer in primary neuronal ...

The postdoctoral fellow will conduct, report and present research in his/her field of study under ... Will test leading small molecules that are effective against toxic tau oligomer in primary neuronal ...

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Postdoctoral Small Molecules information

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$25K

$59K

$83.5K

How much do postdoctoral small molecules jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoctoral small molecules 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 postdoctoral small molecules researchers?

Postdoctoral small molecules researchers are scientists who have completed their PhD and are engaged in advanced research related to the discovery, synthesis, and analysis of small molecule compounds. These researchers often work in academic, pharmaceutical, or biotechnology settings, contributing to projects such as drug development, chemical biology, or medicinal chemistry. Their work involves designing experiments, analyzing data, and publishing findings that can lead to new therapeutics or scientific insights. Postdoctoral positions are typically temporary and focused on gaining specialized skills and experience before moving into more permanent roles.

What are some common challenges faced by postdoctoral researchers working with small molecules, and how can they overcome them?

Postdoctoral researchers focusing on small molecules often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting complex synthetic pathways, optimizing reaction yields, and ensuring compound purity. They may also need to interpret ambiguous analytical data and manage tight project timelines. Collaborating closely with interdisciplinary teams, including chemists, biologists, and analytical specialists, is crucial for overcoming these hurdles. Staying organized, seeking mentorship, and leveraging available instrumentation and expertise within the lab can significantly improve problem-solving and project outcomes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Postdoctoral Researcher specializing in Small Molecules, and why are they important?

To excel as a Postdoctoral Researcher in Small Molecules, you typically need a PhD in chemistry, biochemistry, or a related field with a strong background in organic synthesis and molecular characterization. Familiarity with analytical tools such as NMR, HPLC, mass spectrometry, and computational chemistry software, along with experience in laboratory best practices, is crucial. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective collaboration and communication skills set outstanding candidates apart. These competencies ensure rigorous scientific discovery, reproducible results, and productive teamwork in research-driven environments.
Infographic showing various Postdoctoral Small Molecules job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $59,022 per year, or $28.4 per hour.
Postdoctoral Fellow - Experimental Therapeutics

Postdoctoral Fellow - Experimental Therapeutics

MD Anderson

Houston, TX

$64K - $76K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


MD Anderson Cancer Center rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 164 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 869 rated healthcare providers


Job description

A Postdoctoral position is available in the Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States. This position reports to Dr. Irfan Asangani, Associate Professor in the Department of Experimental Therapeutics, and Dr. Hojong Yoon, Assistant Professor in the Department of Experimental Therapeutics.
We are seeking a talented and highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellow to participate in development of molecular glues and related novel modalities. While we consider various backgrounds, a strong interest in understanding how small molecule tools work, and the desire to tackle a major problem of great significance are absolutely essential. The position will allow the candidate to develop valuable new skills and experience in molecular glue discovery, assay-development, target validation, targeted protein degradation, and chemical biology. Position includes a competitive salary and generous benefits through the UT system. The Postdoctoral Fellow will receive training in research design, techniques, data analysis, presentation skills, and manuscript writing.
Responsibilities:
• Design and synthesize small molecules and characterize their structures.
• Maintain small molecule screening libraries.
• Collaborate effectively with biologists in the lab, and with translational research groups.
• Supervise and train other researchers in experimental techniques.
• Prepare and write scientific manuscripts, patent, and fellowship applications in collaboration with the principal investigator.
• Attend and present findings at internal, local and national meetings.
All duties and responsibilities are carried out in compliance with institutional policies, ethical research standards, and applicable federal and state regulations.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
By the end of the appointment, the Postdoctoral Fellow will have developed advanced expertise in molecular glue discovery and targeted protein degradation, including the design, synthesis, and optimization of small molecules for therapeutic applications. The fellow will gain hands-on experience in assay development, target validation, structure-guided drug design, and chemical biology approaches relevant to translational cancer research.
The appointment will also provide training in interdisciplinary collaboration, scientific communication, manuscript and patent preparation, grant and fellowship writing, and mentorship of junior researchers. Through participation in collaborative translational research programs, the fellow will be prepared to pursue independent careers in academia, biotechnology, or pharmaceutical drug discovery.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
• PhD in Medicinal Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Drug Discovery, or related field.
• Candidates should possess training in multi-step organic synthesis.
• Candidates with experience in structure-guided drug design and proficiency in small molecule design using computational tools are encouraged to apply.
• Ability to work in a collaborative and team environment.
POSITION INFORMATION
MD Anderson offers full-time postdoc positions with a salary ranging from $64,000 to $76,000. depending on the number of years of postgraduate experience. The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, paid time off, retirement, tuition benefits, educational opportunities, and individual and team recognition
Offsite work arrangements are subject to approval and may be modified or revoked at any time based on business needs, performance considerations, or regulatory requirements.
This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and therefore may require routine reviews and screening. The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary to ensure the continued security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of hire and continued employment.
It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state or local laws unless such distinction is required by law. http://www.mdanderson.org/about-us/legal-and-policy/legal-statements/eeo-affirmative-action.html

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