Postdoctoral Fellow, Chemistry

Position Details

Department Information:

The Department of Chemistry in the College of Arts + Sciences at Indiana University, consists of a well-rounded research community with cutting-edge expertise in a wide variety of modern disciplines including analytical chemistry, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry, materials chemistry, and biochemistry. Indiana University is an equal employment and affirmative action employer and a provider of ADA services and prohibits discrimination in hiring. See Indiana University Notice of Non-Discrimination here which includes contact information.

Job Summary:

The Lewis Lab in the Department of Chemistry at Indiana University is accepting applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow position. The position offers an opportunity to develop and apply cutting- edge protein engineering techniques to address fundamental challenges in synthetic chemistry and biocatalysis. The successful applicant will use a deep understanding of organic and organometallic chemistry, combined with state-of-the-art methods generative protein design, directed evolution, next gen sequencing, and laboratory automation to develop B12-dependent enzymes or artificial metalloenzymes containing different organometallic cofactors for new chemical transformations. Motivated applicants with PhD training in any area of chemistry or biochemistry will be considered. Experience with either molecular biology or synthetic chemistry is strongly preferred.

The Lewis Lab is a dynamic multidisciplinary laboratory environment. The successful applicant will play an integral role within our growing team of chemists, biochemists, and protein engineers and will emerge with a skill set that is equally relevant to academia and industry. Trainees receive regular guidance and feedback to ensure progress is made toward their career goals, whatever those may be. Trainees are also afforded the scheduling flexibility needed to maintain an appropriate work life balance.

Responsibilities:

Primary research responsibilities will include cloning and other molecular biology required for enzyme production and engineering, synthesis of substrates and product standards, high throughput screening of enzyme libraries, and application of computational protein design tools. Careful documentation of all findings, formal research reports and presentations, and participation in group equipment/facility maintenance is also expected.

Required Qualifications:

Candidates must have extensive experience with either molecular biology or synthetic chemistry. PhD in any area of chemistry or biochemistry.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with both molecular biology and synthetic chemistry is preferred but not required. Familiarity with computational design tools, organometallic catalysis/methodology development, enzyme library generation and screening are highly desirable.

The initial appointment for this position will be for 12 months. Additional 12-month extension will be available based on performance. A competitive salary along with a benefits package will be offered.

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, CV, and contact information for three references to https://indiana.peopleadmin.com/postings/33690. Applications will be reviewed upon receipt. Best consideration date: 7/21/2026. Expected start date is 10/1/26.

Questions regarding the position or application process can be directed to: Prof. Lewis, Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, 800 E. Kirkwood Avenue, Bloomington, IN 47405, jcl3@iu.edu.
For additional information visit: https://lewis.lab.indiana.edu/