Postdoctoral Fellow - Sunflower Wellness : Job Details

About the Role:

We are seeking a highly motivated and technically proficient Postdoctoral Fellow with a Ph.D. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related field to join our dynamic research and development team.

The successful candidate will work closely with our Chief Science Officer and Senior Scientists on either of the following projects:

• TTT-008, a novel kinase-targeting compound for oncology indications
• Antimicrobial cannabinoids and analogs for drug-resistant Gram-negative infections

This position offers a rare opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a fast-paced industrial R&D setting while contributing to high-impact research with the potential for peer-reviewed publications, patents, and licensing deals. This position is a full-time, 1 year appointment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform multi-step organic synthesis of small molecules and analog libraries
• Independently analyze and interpret NMR (1D & 2D), LC-MS, and HPLC data
• Collaborate with in-house and outsourced biology teams for IC50, MTT, and CellTiter-Glo (CTG) assays
• Assist in mechanism of action (MoA) studies, including assay design and compound profiling
• Contribute to manuscript preparation and patent filings
• Maintain accurate lab records and comply with safety/regulatory procedures
• Participate in team meetings and actively communicate findings

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, or related field (conferred by start date)
• Strong background in organic synthesis, purification, and compound characterization
• Proficiency in independent interpretation of NMR, LC-MS, and HPLC data
• Excellent organizational and communication skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team
• Familiarity with scientific literature and data-driven decision-making

Preferred (Not Required) Experience:

• Exposure to medicinal chemistry or structure-activity relationship (SAR) optimization
• Experience with computational tools (e.g., StarDrop, Schrodinger, Spartan)
• Previous work in antimicrobial or oncology drug discovery
• Hands-on biological assay experience is a plus (training will be provided)

What You'll Gain:

• Direct mentorship from industry leaders and academic collaborators
• Cross-training in drug discovery, in vitro assay development, and translational pharmacology
• Opportunities to contribute to publications and IP
• Insight into industry-regulatory interfaces and go-to-market strategy
• A fast-tracked entry point into pharma, biotech, or entrepreneurship