The Department of Chemistry is seeking qualified candidates for a Postdoctoral Fellow position to work in the lab of Professor Marcos Pires.

In the Pires laboratory, we are on a mission to revolutionize antibiotic treatments and advance drug discovery techniques. Join our team in tackling the global challenge of antibiotic resistance and contributing to cutting-edge innovations.

Role Overview: We are seeking a highly qualified and dynamic Postdoctoral Fellow with extensive experience in organic and chemical biology to join our team. The successful candidate will lead cutting-edge research projects focusing on the synthesis and optimization of chemical probes and tool compounds. We are seeking an innovative Chemical Biologist who will play a pivotal role in our cutting-edge research efforts aimed at combating antibiotic resistance. This position involves the design and synthesis of small molecules and chemical probes to investigate their accumulation in bacterial cells.

This research will investigate the mechanisms of compound uptake and retention to enhance the efficacy of antibiotics against drug-resistant strains. In this role, the postdoctoral fellow will actively contribute to groundbreaking research projects, developing and applying novel methodologies to create new classes of chemical tools and probes. The postdoctoral fellow will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of microbiologists, pharmacologists, and computational scientists to synergize efforts in understanding bacterial resistance and optimizing molecular properties for better drug delivery.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct and lead research focused on the development of novel antibiotics.
• Design and synthesize new pharmaceutical compounds with therapeutic potential.
• Utilize cutting-edge techniques in medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, and chemical biology.
• Analyze and interpret complex research data, contributing to publications and presentations.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to advance drug discovery projects.
• Mentor junior researchers and contribute to the development of a collaborative research environment.

Qualification Requirements:

A Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences, Organic Chemistry, or a related field is required by the start date. Additional qualifications are:

• Proven expertise in the design and synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds.
• Strong track record in drug discovery and optimization processes.
• Experience in applying chemical biology and pharmacological techniques.
• Excellent communication skills and a strong publication record.
• Prior record of publication in drug-discovery related fields.

Salary and benefits offered will be commensurate with the experience and qualifications of the candidates.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Apply online at https://uva.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/UVAJobs and attach a cover letter, a curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references. Please note that multiple documents can be uploaded in the box.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Review of applications will begin on January 2, 2026, but the position will remain open until filled. The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment.

This is a one-year appointment; however, the appointment may be renewed for additional one-year increments, contingent upon available funding and satisfactory performance.

Questions regarding this position should be directed to Professor Marcos Pires, Professor, at mp7aa@virginia.edu .

For questions about the application process, please contact Richard Haverstrom, Academic Recruiter, at rkh6j@virginia.edu .

For more information on the benefits available to postdoctoral associates at UVA, visit postdoc.virginia.edu and hr.virginia.edu/benefits.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Click here to read more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.