Postdoctoral Scholar – FoldCat Hypothesis Research

About the role

A Postdoctoral Scholar position is available at LSU to work collaboratively with theoretical colleagues on experiments testing the FoldCat hypothesis and exploring the catalytic potential of primitive coacervates in peptide or nucleic acid elongation.

Key responsibilities

• Design, synthesize, and characterize random peptoid or peptide copolymers containing hydrophobic and polar monomers, and evaluate their coacervate formation and catalytic activity.
• Prepare research reports, present findings at team meetings, conferences, and publish results.
• Engage in ongoing training, development, and other duties as assigned by the manager.

Required profile

• PhD in polymer chemistry, organic chemistry, materials science, or a related discipline.
• Experience in synthesis and structural analysis of self‑assembled biomimetic or bioderived polymers.
• Preferred experience with controlled polymerization, polymer fractionation, biophysical analysis, X‑ray and light scattering, and microscopic imaging techniques.

Required skills

• Monomer and polymer synthesis, purification, and characterization.
• Polymer fractionation and separation using recycling SEC, HPLC, and mass spectrometry.
• Structural characterization by X‑ray scattering, light scattering, and microscopy.

What we offer

• Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Retirement options and flexible spending accounts.
• Paid holidays, leave options, and wellness benefits.
• Tuition exemption for qualified positions and professional development opportunities.