Postdoctoral Fellow – Synthetic Organic Chemistry & Chemical Biology
- McGill University
- Location: Montreal, Canada
- Job Number: 7325006
- Posting Date: Newly posted
- Salary / Pay Rate: 48,000 CAD/year
- Application Deadline: Open Until Filled
Job Description
Postdoctoral Fellow – Synthetic Organic Chemistry & Chemical Biology
Institution: McGill University
Industry Partner: Merck & Co., Inc.
Location: Montreal, Canada
Salary: $48,000 CAD per year
Eligibility: PhD awarded within the last 4 years
Start Date: Flexible (2026 preferred)
Position Overview
We are seeking a postdoctoral fellow with strong training in synthetic organic chemistry to join a collaborative research program at McGill University in partnership with Merck. The project sits at the interface of chemical synthesis, nucleic acid chemistry, and translational chemical biology, with a primary emphasis on small-molecule and nucleoside-derived reagent design and synthesis.
This position is particularly well suited for candidates who enjoy hands-on synthesis, reaction optimization, and molecular characterization, and who are interested in seeing their chemistry applied in a cutting-edge therapeutic context through close interaction with an industrial partner.
Research Scope
The postdoctoral fellow will focus primarily on:
Design and synthesis of small molecules, nucleoside derivatives, and functional chemical handles
Development and optimization of new synthetic routes and chemistries
Preparation of reagents used in downstream biochemical and RNA-focused workflows
Structural and analytical characterization of compounds
Collaborative interaction with biochemistry and RNA specialists within the team and at Merck
While the broader project involves RNA and mRNA therapeutics, the core responsibilities of this position are chemistry-driven, with biochemical and RNA studies handled by complementary team members.
Required Qualifications
PhD in Organic Chemistry, Chemical Biology, or a closely related field (≤ 4 years post-PhD)
Strong record of independent synthetic organic chemistry research
Demonstrated ability to design, execute, and troubleshoot multi-step syntheses
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Preferred Experience
Small-molecule synthesis and purification
Structural characterization using NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry
Reaction development and optimization
Experience with heterocycles, nucleosides, or functional group interconversions
Familiarity with bioconjugation or chemical biology tools (an asset, not required)
Interest in collaborative, translational research environments
Training Environment & Career Development
The successful candidate will work in a highly interactive academic–industry setting, with:
Regular scientific exchange with Merck researchers
Opportunities for high-impact publications and intellectual property
Exposure to translational research pipelines without requiring prior industry experience
Mentorship tailored toward academic, industrial, or hybrid career paths
Application Instructions
Applicants should submit:
A cover letter describing research interests and synthetic expertise
A curriculum vitae
Contact information for 2–3 referees
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
McGill University is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion and encourages applications from all qualified candidates.
Institution: McGill University
Industry Partner: Merck & Co., Inc.
Location: Montreal, Canada
Salary: $48,000 CAD per year
Eligibility: PhD awarded within the last 4 years
Start Date: Flexible (2026 preferred)
Position Overview
We are seeking a postdoctoral fellow with strong training in synthetic organic chemistry to join a collaborative research program at McGill University in partnership with Merck. The project sits at the interface of chemical synthesis, nucleic acid chemistry, and translational chemical biology, with a primary emphasis on small-molecule and nucleoside-derived reagent design and synthesis.
This position is particularly well suited for candidates who enjoy hands-on synthesis, reaction optimization, and molecular characterization, and who are interested in seeing their chemistry applied in a cutting-edge therapeutic context through close interaction with an industrial partner.
Research Scope
The postdoctoral fellow will focus primarily on:
Design and synthesis of small molecules, nucleoside derivatives, and functional chemical handles
Development and optimization of new synthetic routes and chemistries
Preparation of reagents used in downstream biochemical and RNA-focused workflows
Structural and analytical characterization of compounds
Collaborative interaction with biochemistry and RNA specialists within the team and at Merck
While the broader project involves RNA and mRNA therapeutics, the core responsibilities of this position are chemistry-driven, with biochemical and RNA studies handled by complementary team members.
Required Qualifications
PhD in Organic Chemistry, Chemical Biology, or a closely related field (≤ 4 years post-PhD)
Strong record of independent synthetic organic chemistry research
Demonstrated ability to design, execute, and troubleshoot multi-step syntheses
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Preferred Experience
Small-molecule synthesis and purification
Structural characterization using NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry
Reaction development and optimization
Experience with heterocycles, nucleosides, or functional group interconversions
Familiarity with bioconjugation or chemical biology tools (an asset, not required)
Interest in collaborative, translational research environments
Training Environment & Career Development
The successful candidate will work in a highly interactive academic–industry setting, with:
Regular scientific exchange with Merck researchers
Opportunities for high-impact publications and intellectual property
Exposure to translational research pipelines without requiring prior industry experience
Mentorship tailored toward academic, industrial, or hybrid career paths
Application Instructions
Applicants should submit:
A cover letter describing research interests and synthetic expertise
A curriculum vitae
Contact information for 2–3 referees
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
McGill University is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion and encourages applications from all qualified candidates.
