Overview
The Department of Drug Discovery and Development in the Harrison College of Pharmacy invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow position to support a newly funded collaborative National Cancer Institute (NCI) R01 research project focused on the discovery of natural products for colorectal cancer prevention. This exciting research opportunity offers the successful candidate the chance to work at the interface of natural products chemistry, cancer prevention research, and advanced analytical technologies within a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment.
The successful candidate will join a vibrant research program focused on natural products, metabolomics, and drug discovery.
Opportunities will be available for manuscript preparation, grant development, conference presentations, and collaboration with nationally recognized investigators in cancer prevention and natural products research.
Interested candidates should submit:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Brief statement of research interests and career goals
- Contact information for three professional references
Review of applications will begin on November 6, 2026 and continue until the position is filled.
For additional inquiries about the position, please contact Dr. Angela I. Calderón (aic0001@auburn.edu).
Responsibilities
The postdoctoral fellow will work on a collaborative National Cancer Institute (NCI)-funded R01 project focused on natural product drug discovery for colorectal cancer prevention. Responsibilities will include:
- Isolation, purification, and structural characterization of bioactive natural products
- Mass spectrometry-based analysis of natural products and botanical extracts
- Bioactivity-guided evaluation of natural products using cell culture and LC-MS-based oncoprotein and enzyme assays
- Investigation of natural products with potential chemopreventive activity against colorectal cancer
- Collaboration with multidisciplinary investigators contributing to the R01 project
Qualifications
Applicants should possess:
- A Ph.D. in Natural Products Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biochemistry, or a related field at the time employment begins.
All applicants must meet eligibility requirements to work in the United States at the time employment begins and continue working legally for the proposed term of employment.
Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Strong research experience in natural products chemistry and compound isolation/structure elucidation
- Expertise in mass spectrometry and analytical characterization of natural products
- Hands-on experience with cell culture techniques and in vitro bioassays
- Experience with LC-MS-based oncoprotein and enzyme assays, and biological activity evaluation of natural products
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- A strong publication record and demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively
Contract Type
Limited Term
Why Work at Auburn?
- Life-Changing Impact: Our work changes lives through research, instruction, and outreach, making a lasting impact on our students, our communities, and the world.
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- We’re Here for You: Auburn offers generous benefits, educational opportunities, and a culture of support and work/life balance.
- Sweet Home Alabama: The Auburn/Opelika area offers southern charm, vibrant downtown scenes, top-ranked schools, and easy access to Atlanta, Birmingham, and the Gulf of Mexico beaches.
- A Place for Everyone: Auburn is committed to fostering an environment where all faculty, staff, and students are welcomed, valued, respected, and engaged.
Ready to lead and shape the future of higher education? Apply today! War Eagle!
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