Synthetic Organic Chemist

A full-time postdoctoral research position is available for a Synthetic Organic Chemist. The position is located at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (http://www.nrl.navy.mil/) in Washington DC, in the Optical Sciences Division (https://www.nrl.navy.mil/opticalsciences/). The project is an interdisciplinary effort that includes research collaborators from NRL’s Center for Biomolecular Science and Engineering and the Electronics Science and Technology Division. The goal of the project is to identify mechanisms to enhance coherent energy transfer between photoactive molecules attached to DNA nanostructures for application to synthetic light harvesting systems, optoelectronic devices, information processing systems, and quantum computing. The candidate will be primarily responsible for synthesizing a series of organic dyes for incorporation into DNA structures by various chemical means including direct incorporation with phosphoramidite linkers. The ideal candidate will design and synthesize a series of organic dyes with phosphoramidite linkers and perform all aspects of DNA synthesis, purification, and characterization. The candidate must have a Ph.D. in the field of organic chemistry with experience and knowledge of multistep organic synthesis, purification and characterization techniques. The candidates are expected to perform some biochemical protocols and photophysical measurements when necessary, and interact with collaborators in the fields of biology and photophysics. Knowledge and experience in DNA chemistry and DNA synthesis using a DNA synthesizer is a plus, but not mandatory. Stipend: $83,398 annually with health benefits plus travel allotment. Applicants must be US Citizens or US Permanent Residents at time of application. NRL is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Interested candidates should send a letter of interest, a C.V., and the contact information for at least three references willing to write letters of recommendation confirming their credentials to Dr. Igor L. Medintz at igor.medintz@nrl.navy.mil.