The Butcher Lab at the University of Florida is seeking two postdoctoral fellows in natural product chemistry, focusing on natural product isolation/structure elucidation and synthetic organic chemistry. The research involves discovering and characterizing bioactive small molecules from nematodes using comparative metabolomics, NMR spectroscopy, genome editing, and total synthesis, with applications in understanding development, metabolism, and lifespan. Candidates should hold a Ph.D. in chemistry, biochemistry, chemical biology, or a related field, have a strong publication record, and be motivated to apply chemistry expertise to solve biological problems. Responsibilities include research, mentoring, manuscript preparation, and grant development, with applications to be sent directly to Prof. Rebecca Butcher. Science Careers
Employer: University of Florida
Location: Gainesville, Florida
Salary: Commensurate with experience
Closing Date: August 27, 2025
Discipline:
- Life Sciences
- Biochemistry
- Physical Sciences
- Synthetic/Computational Chemistry
- Health Sciences
- Analytical Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry
- Medicinal/Pharmaceutical Chemistry
Position Type: Full-time
Job Type: Postdoc, Postdoc Fellowship, Research Scientist
Organization Type: Academia.
About the Position:
The Butcher Lab in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Florida invites applications for two postdoctoral fellowships in:
- Natural product isolation and structure elucidation
- Synthetic organic chemistry
Successful candidates will be part of a multidisciplinary research team working to identify bioactive small molecules from nematodes using genome editing, comparative metabolomics, NMR spectroscopy, and total synthesis. Research will focus on the biosynthesis and biological activity of these molecules, with strong links to development, metabolism, and lifespan.
Relevant publications from the lab include: PMID 38183989, 34389721, 40468644, 32702987, 27501395. More information: Butcher Lab Website.
Key Responsibilities:
- Discover new natural products using comparative metabolomics
- Purify natural products from nematodes and elucidate their structures
- Synthesize natural products to verify chemical structures and enable further biological studies
- Mentor graduate students and junior researchers
- Draft manuscripts and contribute to grant proposal preparation
Candidate Requirements:
- Ph.D. in chemistry, biochemistry, chemical biology, or a closely related field
- Demonstrated research productivity with strong publication record
- Expertise in natural product chemistry, metabolomics, or synthetic organic chemistry
- Strong collaborative skills and motivation to apply chemistry in solving biological problems
Application Instructions:
Interested candidates should send:
- Cover letter
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Names and contact information of references
to Prof. Rebecca Butcher at butcher@chem.ufl.edu with the subject line:
“Application for Natural Product Chemist”