Postdoctoral Researcher

The University of Kansas is looking to fill a full-time, benefits eligible Postdoctoral Researcher position within the Vaccine Analytics and Formulation Center with the Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department. The Postdoctoral Researcher would be responsible for designing and executing experiments, writing reports and papers, assisting other center members with experiments and routine lab management.

The University of Kansas offers great benefits to employees such as paid vacation, sick leave, paid holidays, retirement, medical and dental insurance and much more. KU offers tuition assistance for employees and their dependents as well as many professional development opportunities.

Initial appointment is for one year with possibility of renewal annually subject to mutual agreement and continued grant funding.

60% - Designing and Execution of Experiments

• These duties include carrying out original research relative to the mission of the center. The center is focused on the development of analysis and formulation development of biopharmaceutical and vaccine candidates. The successful applicant will perform experiments, both individually and in a team environment, that pertain to current research topics in the center including analytical characterization, stabilization, formulation, and delivery of a wide variety of biopharmaceutical drug and vaccine candidates including peptides, proteins, mRNA, polysaccharide-protein conjugates, virus-like particles, as well as live attenuated viruses and bacterial cells.

10% - Write Reports and Papers

• These duties include writing technical reports for collaborators, analytical procedures for new candidates using center laboratory equipment, and scientific papers for peer reviewed journals.

15% - Assist Other Center Members with Experiments

• Trains other staff in the use of specialized equipment as well as coordinate the maintenance of laboratory equipment. Equipment includes biophysical methods (e.g., CD, fluorescence, FT-IR, light scattering calorimetric), biochemical techniques (e.g., HPLC, gel and capillary electrophoresis, LC-MS) and potency assays (e.g., ELISAs, PCR and cell-based transfection and viral infectivity).

15% Laboratory Management

• These duties include ensuring systems are in place (including required training) for lab safety and management of laboratory records, documents, and data.

1. PhD degree in pharmaceutics, biochemistry, biophysics, chemistry, cell or molecular biology or related fields.
2. Excellent written communication skills as demonstrated in application materials and publications.

NOTE: To be appointed at the Postdoctoral Researcher title or equivalent title, it is necessary to have the Ph.D. in hand. Appointments made without a certified transcript indicating an earned doctorate are conditional hires and are appointed on an Acting basis not to exceed 6-months. Appointment duration will be extended upon final verification of degree.

This position requires a formal degree in the cited discipline area(s) to ensure that candidates have advanced knowledge, analytical skills and professional competencies necessary to perform the duties of the position. The level of degree is commonly recognized as the standard qualification for similar roles in the public and private sector, ensuring that the university remains competitive with industry aligned practices, enhances collaboration with external partners, and supports the delivery of services and programs that meet professional and market-driven expectations.

A complete application consists of:

1. A cover letter that describes how you meet the required and preferred qualifications
2. A Resume or CV
3. Contact information for three (3) professional references

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Application review will begin on November 30, 2026, and continue until a qualified applicant has been selected.

Emily Dykes
edykes@ku.edu

$60,000-$65,000

Monday November 30, 2026

Monday January 4, 2027