Job Summary:

The Postdoctoral Fellow is responsible for contributing scholarly work to the respective discipline and TCU through teaching, research, creative activity, and service. The fellow will work with the lab led by Kayla Green on innovative multi-disciplinary research focusing on two areas of emphasis. Synthesis and exploration of modified 12-membered tetra-azamacrocyclic pyridinophanes for (1) incorporation into new polymer materials and (2) therapeutics for diseases derived from oxidative stress, including Alzheimer's disease. This position is grant funded and is subject to the terms of the grant.

Project Information: Self-immolative protecting groups sensitive to oxidative stress will be used to support the permeability of remarkably reactive small molecules that target oxidative stress. To date we have developed small molecules with therapeutic activity toward the oxidative stress implicated in the development of neurodegenerative diseases. In an effort to enhance the efficacy of these molecules, herein we evaluate synthetic modifications that will increase blood brain barrier permeability to improve their pharmacological potential, concomitant to preserving the desired antioxidant activity. Removal of the protecting groups by elevated concentrations of reactive oxygen species (oxidative stress) will regenerate the potent antioxidant reactivity of the parent molecule (metal binding, radical quenching, and upregulation of the intracellular transcriptional pathway that controls the antioxidant defenses in cells). This project will generate prodrug therapeutic candidates that will have physiochemical properties suitable for applications as drug molecules while providing multi-tactical antioxidant targeting of oxidative stress using our established understanding of the structural features responsible for antioxidant activity. Incorporation of the reactive protecting group to the rational design of antioxidant therapeutic molecules creates the opportunity to integrate successful components of a multi-tactical parent molecule group without sacrificing activity.

Duties & Essential Job Functions:

1. Organic synthesis of pyridinophane precursor and target molecules according to the agreed upon timeline.
2. Purify and characterize target compounds according to the agreed upon strategic plan.
3. Support graduate and undergraduate colleagues.
4. Write-up and present research progress on a regular basis (quarterly) for review.
5. Ensure personal safety in the laboratory and encourage this behavior with colleagues.
6. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Education & Experience:

• Ph.D. degree in chemistry.
• Experience in synthesis, 1-2D NMR methods, and purification of organic molecules.

Preferred Education & Experience:

• Experience with polymers, biological studies, and/or potentiometric determination of pKa and metal binding stabilities.

Required Licensure/Certification/Specialized Training:

• None

Preferred Licensure, Certification, and/or Specialized Training:

• None

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of current research and issues in microbiology and immunology.
• Knowledge of and dedication to chemical safety in the laboratory.
• Skill in all components of Microsoft Office, to include Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Skill in both written and verbal communication.
• Skill in Microsoft Windows navigation techniques.
• Ability to work in a dynamic team environment.
• Ability to analyze and accurately interpret information contained in a variety of data sets.
• Ability to accurately document research result.
• Ability to compose technical reports.
• Ability to maintain and enforce a safe working environment.
• Ability to review and make recommendations to improve and streamline processes.
• Ability to coordinate multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Ability to consult with external groups and maintain positive relationships.

TCU Core Competencies:

University Core Competencies definitions may be found on the Human Resources website and in the staff performance management system.

Physical Requirements (With or Without Accommodations):

• Visual acuity to read information from computer screens, forms and other printed materials and information.
• Able to speak (enunciate) clearly in conversation and general communication.
• Hearing ability for verbal communication/conversation/responses via telephone, telephone systems, and face-to-face interactions.
• Manual dexterity for typing, writing, standing and reaching, flexibility, body movement for bending, crouching, walking, kneeling and prolonged sitting.
• Lifting and moving objects and equipment up to 10 lbs.

Work Environment:

• Work is indoors and sedentary and is subject to schedule changes and/or variable work hours.
• The harmful environmental conditions present for this job include occupational exposure to hazards and fumes from solvents and reagents.
• This role is an on campus, in-person position.
• The noise level in this work environment is usually moderate.
• The majority of the work will take place within a chemistry laboratory environment.

AA/EEO Statement:

As an AA/EEO employer, TCU recruits, hires, and promotes qualified persons in all job classifications without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ethnic origin, disability, genetic information, covered veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.