The Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology (MCMP) at Purdue University invites applications for TWO tenure-track faculty positions. Both positions will be open to all ranks. All candidates are expected to offer complementary capabilities to the existing strengths of the department. Housed in Purdue’s College of Pharmacy, the Department of MCMP offers a unique multidisciplinary and collaborative environment with synergistic strengths in molecular pharmacology, neuroscience, cancer biology, immunology/infectious diseases, medicinal chemistry, chemical biology, drug design, systems biology, and computational chemistry (website: https://www.mcmp.purdue.edu/). Extensive opportunities for collaboration also exist within a vibrant community of scientists in the Colleges of Agriculture, Engineering, Health and Human Sciences, Science, and Veterinary Medicine. The Department is highly engaged in collaborative research initiatives led by the Life Sciences Institutes, including the Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience (PIIN), the Purdue Institute of Inflammation, Immunology and Infectious Disease (PI4D), the Purdue Institute for Drug Discovery (PIDD), the Purdue Institute for Cancer Research (PICR), and the Regenstrief Center for Healthcare Engineering (RCHE).
POSITION IN TRANSLATIONAL NEUROSCIENCE
Candidates with interests in solving problems relevant to neuropharmacology, neurologic disorders, and/or neurotherapeutics are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants with expertise and interests in applying innovative approaches at the forefront of neuroscience, including but not limited to neurocircuitry modulation (e.g., chemogenetics, optogenetics), gene therapy (e.g., CRISPRa/i, prime/base editing, antisense oligonucleotides, viral/non-viral gene delivery), and neuro-immunotherapy (e.g., CAR-T, CAR-M), are of particular interest. Current neuroscience research areas in the Department include addiction, neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease), neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., autism, seizure disorders), pain, and traumatic brain injury. The successful applicant will be offered affiliation with PIIN, established as part of the University’s strategic investment in the Life Sciences.
POSITION IN CHEMICAL BIOLOGY/MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
In addition to the areas of translational neuroscience listed above, the department is interested in candidates using innovative chemical biology approaches to accelerate therapeutic and biotherapeutic discovery, thereby contributing to solutions for human diseases. Examples of applicant expertise could include, but are not limited to, the design and development of chemical probes and drugs, protein/nucleic acid design, cellular engineering, chemoproteomics, and chemical genomics. The successful candidate’s research will complement the department’s existing research expertise in drug design, discovery, and development while enhancing ongoing efforts targeting cancers, immunology/infectious diseases, and neurologic disorders.
Purdue University offers state-of-the-art facilities for transgenic animal development, animal behavior analysis, cell engineering/iPSC technologies, microscopy, flow cytometry/cell sorting, proteomics, metabolomics, and bioinformatics. The campus also has world-class facilities for cryo-EM, NMR, X-ray crystallography, and chemical genomics. Graduate student recruitment opportunities through the Department of MCMP and the Purdue University Interdisciplinary Life Science (PULSe) program offer an exceptional environment for building a productive research career. The successful applicant will receive a highly competitive salary and start-up package, as well as generous laboratory space.
Qualifications: Candidates must have a Ph.D. degree in a scientific discipline relevant to molecular neuroscience or chemical biology (e.g., Biology, Biochemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Pharmacology, Physiology), as well as relevant post-doctoral experience. In addition to establishing a vigorous, extramurally-funded research program, the successful applicant will participate in teaching in the College’s undergraduate, graduate, and/or Pharm.D. programs.
Applications should be submitted electronically to https://careers.purdue.edu/job-invite/28288/ as a single PDF file containing a cover letter, curriculum vitae, contact information for three references, a three-page summary of ongoing and planned research and a one-page teaching statement. Purdue University, the College of Pharmacy and the Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology are committed to free and open inquiry in all matters. Candidates are encouraged to address in their cover letter how they are prepared to contribute to a climate that values free inquiry and academic freedom. Please direct inquiries regarding this position or application requirements to the Chairs of the Search Committee, Dr. Chris Rochet (jrochet@purdue.edu) (Translational Neuroscience) or Dr. Rong Huang (huang-r@purdue.edu) (Chemical Biology). For technical assistance, please email careers@purdue.edu. Review of applications will begin on November 1, 2023 and continue until the position is filled. A background check will be required for employment in this position.
Purdue University is an EOE/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans, are encouraged to apply.