Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Chemical Biology at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, USA (Salary up to $76,385/year)

Are you a recent PhD graduate in Chemical Biology, Medicinal Chemistry, or a related field looking to advance your research career at one of the world's leading cancer research institutions? The Jones Laboratory at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is inviting applications for a full-time Postdoctoral Research Fellow position focused on next-generation covalent chemical biology and therapeutic development. This exciting opportunity offers researchers the chance to contribute to cutting-edge projects aimed at expanding the druggable proteome and developing innovative therapeutic modalities for cancer and other diseases.

Position Overview

Position Title: Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Reference Number: JR-4956
Institution: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Laboratory: Jones Lab
Location: Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Employment Type: Full-Time
Work Mode: 100% Onsite
Annual Salary: $72,000 – $76,385
Category: Fellowship / Postdoctoral Research

About Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is internationally recognized for groundbreaking discoveries in cancer research, patient care, and medical education. Located in Boston's prestigious Longwood Medical Area, the institute collaborates closely with Harvard Medical School and affiliated hospitals. Researchers at Dana-Farber have access to world-class facilities and advanced technologies, including:

• State-of-the-art chemistry laboratories
• Biophysics and biochemistry platforms
• Structural biology facilities
• Advanced mass spectrometry resources
• Collaborative interdisciplinary research environment

The institute is dedicated to advancing treatments for cancer, HIV/AIDS, and related diseases while fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion across all research and healthcare activities.

Research Focus
The successful candidate will join the Jones Lab and contribute to innovative research in:

• Covalent chemical biology
• Drug discovery and development
• Chemical probe design
• Chemoproteomics
• Target validation
• Small molecule-protein interactions
• Therapeutic modality development
The laboratory's mission is to develop next-generation chemical tools and therapeutic strategies that expand the range of proteins that can be targeted by drugs.

Key Responsibilities

As a Postdoctoral Research Fellow, you will:
• Chemical Probe Development
• Design and synthesize novel chemical probes for biological target validation.
• Develop compounds suitable for chemoproteomics applications.
Assay Development
• Establish and optimize biochemical assays.
• Develop biophysical screening platforms.
• Conduct metabolic stability assessments.
• Compound Screening and Analysis
• Screen candidate compounds.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data.
• Support iterative optimization of lead molecules.
Translational Research
• Advance chemical probes for cellular studies.
• Support in vivo pharmacological investigations.
• Contribute to therapeutic development strategies.
Scientific Communication
• Maintain accurate laboratory records.
• Prepare manuscripts for publication.
• Assist with grant applications and research proposals.
• Present findings at scientific meetings.
• Continuous Learning
• Stay updated on emerging developments in chemical biology and medicinal chemistry.
• Integrate new technologies and methodologies into ongoing research.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should possess:
• Required Qualifications
• PhD in Chemical Biology, Medicinal Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, or a related discipline.
• Strong expertise in synthetic organic chemistry.
• Experience designing and synthesizing small molecules and chemical probes.
• Knowledge of protein-small molecule interaction studies.
• Experience with biochemical and biophysical assay development.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and within collaborative research teams.
Preferred Qualifications
• Candidates with the following will be highly competitive:
• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals.
• Experience in chemoproteomics.
• Expertise in drug discovery research.
• Demonstrated scientific innovation and creativity.
• Experience preparing scientific manuscripts and grant proposals.

Benefits of This Fellowship

Successful candidates will receive:
• Competitive annual salary of up to $76,385.
• Access to world-class research infrastructure.
• Opportunities to collaborate with leading scientists.
• Exposure to cutting-edge drug discovery programs.
• Strong publication and career development opportunities.
• Training in advanced chemical biology technologies.
• Research environment connected to Harvard Medical School.

Why you should apply?

This fellowship is an outstanding opportunity for researchers interested in translating chemical biology discoveries into novel therapeutic approaches. Working in the Jones Lab will provide valuable experience at the interface of chemistry, biology, and medicine while contributing to research with significant clinical impact.Researchers aiming for future careers in academia, biotechnology, pharmaceutical sciences, or translational medicine will gain highly valuable skills and professional networks through this position.

Application Process

• Interested applicants should prepare:
• Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Cover Letter
• Research Statement (if requested)
• List of Publications
• Contact Information for References

Applications should be submitted through the official Dana-Farber Cancer Institute recruitment portal.

Salary Information
• The annual salary range for this position is:$72,000 – $76,385 per year
• Final compensation will be determined based on:
• Relevant research experience
• Scientific expertise
• Qualifications and skills
• Institutional compensation guidelines

Location
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
450 Brookline Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts 02215
United States

Final Thoughts

For PhD graduates seeking a prestigious postdoctoral opportunity in chemical biology, medicinal chemistry, and drug discovery, this position at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute represents an excellent career-building opportunity. With access to exceptional facilities, collaborative research networks, and innovative therapeutic development programs, successful candidates will be well-positioned for future leadership roles in academia and industry.