Postdoctoral Fellow – Synthetic Organic Chemistry & Chemical Biology

Institution: McGill University Industry Partner: Merck & Co., Inc. Eligibility: PhD awarded within the last 4 years Start Date: Flexible (2026 preferred) Position Overview We are seeking a postdoctoral fellow with strong training in synthetic organic chemistry to join a collaborative research program involving the Luedtke Lab at McGill University and Merck. The project sits at the interface of chemical synthesis, nucleic acid chemistry, and translational chemical biology, with a primary emphasis on small-molecule and nucleoside-derived reagent design and synthesis. This position is particularly well suited for candidates who enjoy hands-on synthesis, reaction optimization, and molecular characterization, and who are interested in seeing their chemistry applied in a cutting-edge therapeutic context through close interaction with an industrial partner. Research Scope The postdoctoral fellow will focus primarily on: Design and synthesis of small molecules, nucleoside derivatives, and functional chemical handles Development and optimization of new synthetic routes and chemistries Preparation of reagents used in downstream biochemical and RNA-focused workflows Structural and analytical characterization of compounds Collaborative interaction with biochemistry and RNA specialists within the team and at Merck While the broader project involves RNA and mRNA therapeutics, the core responsibilities of this position are chemistry-driven, with biochemical and RNA studies handled by complementary team members. Required Qualifications PhD in Organic Chemistry, Chemical Biology, or a closely related field (≤ 4 years post-PhD) Strong record of independent synthetic organic chemistry research Demonstrated ability to design, execute, and troubleshoot multi-step syntheses Excellent written and oral communication skills Preferred Experience Small-molecule synthesis and purification Structural characterization using NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry Reaction development and optimization Experience with heterocycles, nucleosides, or functional group interconversions Familiarity with bioconjugation or chemical biology tools (an asset, not required) Interest in collaborative, translational research environments Training Environment & Career Development The successful candidate will work in a highly interactive academic–industry setting, with: Regular scientific exchange with Merck researchers Opportunities for high-impact publications and intellectual property Exposure to translational research pipelines without requiring prior industry experience Mentorship tailored toward academic, industrial, or hybrid career paths Application Instructions Applicants should submit via this website: A cover letter describing research interests and synthetic expertise A curriculum vitae Contact information for 2–3 referees Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Alternatively, submit your application directly to Nathan Luedtke via email. McGill University is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion and encourages applications from all qualified candidates.