Postdoctoral Opening in the Chaikof Lab at Harvard University

Postdoctoral position available in the laboratory of Dr. Elliot Chaikof for a candidate with demonstrated experience in sialylation and post glycosylation modifications, synthesis of large glycans containing amino sugars, and peptide synthesis. The candidate is expected to carry out multi-step synthesis of oligosaccharides and closely interact with chemists to efficiently pursue glycopeptide therapeutics, as well as to develop novel peptide conjugation strategies to support drug discovery. The project will be focused on the synthesis of glycosulfopeptide mimics (see Nat Comm 2015; 6: 6387 doi:10.1038/ncomms7387; Curr Opin Struct Biol 2020, 62:102–111; www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006497121009812). PhD in organic chemistry, chemical biology or medicinal chemistry required. Submit CV to [email protected].

Responsibilities 

  • Initiates and directs the design, synthesis, purification and characterization of oligosaccharides and glycopeptides. 
  • Facilitates the design of new bioactive compounds by interacting with other chemists. Monitors and evaluates completion of tasks and projects. 

Requirements

  • Requires a PhD in organic chemistry, chemical biology or medicinal chemistry preferably with experience in sialylation and post glycosylation modifications, synthesis of large glycans containing amino sugars, and peptide synthesis
  • Experience in glycopeptide chemistry and solid phase peptide synthesis is desirable.
  • The candidate is expected to carry out multi-step synthesis of oligosaccharides and closely interact with chemists to efficiently pursue glycopeptide therapeutics, as well as to develop novel peptide conjugation strategies to support drug discovery.
  • Must be an energetic, out-of-box thinker with positive attitude. Excellent written and oral communication skills are required, as is the desire and ability to work in a multidisciplinary environment.
  • Expert knowledge of scientific principles and concepts. Demonstrated success as exemplified by peer-reviewed publications, scientific creativity, and independent thought.  

Interested candidates should contact:

Elliot L. Chaikof, MD, PhD

Johnson and Johnson Professor

Harvard Medical School

E-mail: [email protected]

Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology (https://hst.mit.edu/users/echaikofbidmcharvardedu)

Harvard Stem Cell Institute (hsci.harvard.edu/people/elliot-chaikof-md-phd)

Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering  (wyss.harvard.edu/team/associate-faculty/elliot-chaikof/)

Harvard-MIT MD-PhD Program Leadership (hms.harvard.edu/md_phd/administration/index.html)

Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard

 The Chaikof lab is located in the Center for Life Sciences Building in the Longwood medical area, directly adjacent to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Boston Children’s Hospital. CLS 11090, 3 Blackfan Circle, Boston, MA 02115.