Postdoctoral Fellow – Chemistry & Biochemistry - Organic and Polymer Synthesis and Self-assembly
About this role
Job Title: Postdoctoral Fellow – Chemistry & Biochemistry - Organic and Polymer Synthesis and Self-assembly
Posting End Date: October 1, 2026
*NOTE: Last day to apply is Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at 11:59pm (MT)
Position Start Date: January 4, 2027
Required Degree:
Ph.D. is required. A degree in Chemistry is preferred, with an emphasis on Organic Chemistry and/or Polymer Chemistry. Related degrees also considered are other synthetic emphases, Biochemistry, or Chemical Biology.
The required degree must be completed by the start date.
Experience:
- Strong background in organic and/or polymer synthesis including air-free synthesis.
- Strong communication skills and a demonstrated record of scientific productivity
- Experience with soft matter self-assembly
- Experience with cryogenic electron microscopy
- Experience with protein-based assays
- Demonstrated track record of interdisciplinary collaborations
- Experience in mentoring undergraduate or graduate students
Position Description:
The Hurst Lab at Brigham Young University seeks a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to develop new polymer-based protein mimics for encapsulating biologically relevant molecules. This full-time position is part of a laboratory start-up package with eligibility for medical benefits and is renewable annually for up to 2 years, based on performance and funding.
Duties/Expectations:
- Lead the synthesis of a wide library of cyclic carbonate monomers for ring-opening polymerization.
- Evaluate the copolymerization of cyclic carbonates using NMR and GPC.
- Study protein encapsulation and protein activity
- Perform cryogenic electron microscopy on polymer-protein samples to determine size and morphology. Potentially collaborate with national laboratory personnel to collect small-angle X-ray scattering.
- Mentor undergraduate and graduate researchers in the lab.
- Prepare manuscripts for publication and present research at conferences.
- Assist with grant writing and preparing progress reports.
- Conduct independent, high-quality research aligned with the university goals.
- Uphold high standards of integrity, scientific rigor, and reproducibility
- Maintain clear and organized notebooks, data, documentation, and regular reports.
- Engage with co-workers and contribute to a positive, collaborative lab culture.
- Represent BYU professionally in publications, presentations, and collaborations
Documents Required at the Time of Application: Please attach your updated curriculum vitae, cover letter, and Mission Alignment Statement (instructions below) to the faculty application.
Note: Failure to attach the required documents may result in your application not being considered.
This position requires the successful candidate to relocate and/or reside in Utah for the duration of their employment.
MISSION ALIGNMENT STATEMENT INSTRUCTIONS
If you are a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:
BYU is committed to hiring faculty members who enthusiastically embrace and energetically advance its unique mission. To this end, please include a one-page mission alignment statement as part of your application that addresses how you might, as a BYU faculty member: (1) live a life of loyalty to Jesus Christ and His restored Church and align yourself with doctrine and teachings declared by living prophets, seers, and revelators; (2) demonstrate intentionality in building faith in Jesus Christ and testimony of His restored gospel among students and others in the BYU community; and (3) teach your subject matter with the Spirit of God and strive to keep it “bathed in the light and color of the restored gospel” (Spencer W. Kimball).
If you are not a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:
Applicants who are not members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints include a one-page mission alignment statement that describes understanding of and commitment to the Mission of Brigham Young University and the AIMS of a BYU Education.
EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS
All new employees who are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will be required to hold and be worthy to hold a current temple recommend.
All faculty are required to abide by the university’s Honor Code and Dress & Grooming Standards. Preference is given to qualified candidates who are members in good standing of the affiliated church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Successful candidates are expected to support and contribute to the academic and religious missions of the university within the context of the principles and doctrine of the affiliated church.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
Brigham Young University is an equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veteran status.