If you have any questions about the position or our application process, reach out to us at recruiting-u@smith.edu.

Job Description

The Department of Chemistry at Smith College is offering a 2-year, NSF-funded postdoctoral fellowship in the Giddings Lab, focusing on microbial secondary metabolism.

Why Join Us?

• Cutting-Edge Research: Conduct directed evolution on enzymes involved in natural product biosynthesis.

• NSF-Funded Project: Study and evolve siderophore biosynthetic enzymes using a yeast-based assay.

• Collaborative Environment: Work in a dynamic lab with state-of-the-art facilities and robust research programs.

• Professional Development: Co-author publications, mentor undergraduates, and attend conferences.

• Supportive Community: Access specialized research centers and teaching resources at Smith College.

Benefits Include:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance starting on your hire date.

• Generous paid holidays and time off.

• A retirement plan with a 9% employer-funded contribution.

• Financial support for professional development.

Apply today and be part of groundbreaking research in a supportive, innovative environment!

Postdoctoral Fellow Position at Smith College – Department of Chemistry

The Giddings lab investigates microbial secondary metabolism in extreme environments, with a focus on enzymology and the biosynthesis of small molecules with potential environmental and biomedical applications. A Ph.D. in Chemistry, Biology, or related fields is required by the time of appointment. Women, historically underrepresented minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

The goal of the project is to engineer enzymes to accept unnatural substrates. Other responsibilities include co-writing peer-reviewed articles, mentoring undergraduate researchers in the laboratory, and participating in weekly lab meetings. Participation in undergraduate courses is possible although not required. Candidates will also be provided financial support for conferences/workshop travel and career development.

The Department of Chemistry (https://www.smith.edu/academics/chemistry) has state-of-the-art facilities and instrumentation, and our faculty are dedicated to active research programs with undergraduate students. Smith College offers state-of-the-art research facilities, including access to specialized centers equipped with experienced personnel, such as the Center for Mass Spectrometry, Center for Molecular Biology, Center for Microscopy and Imaging, and Center for Aqueous Geochemical Research. The Sherrerd Center for Teaching and Learning provides additional support for developing best practices for effective and inclusive teaching.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Ph.D. in chemistry, biology, chemical or biomedical engineering, or a related discipline.

SKILLS

Mutagenesis, protein expression and purification, enzyme kinetics, and the ability to write scientific manuscripts in a timely manner.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested candidates should submit:

• A cover letter with the names of two references.

• Curriculum vitae (CV).

• A 1–2 page research summary detailing past and future research interests.

For more information or questions, please contact Dr. Lesley-Ann Giddings at lgiddings@smith.edu.

You will NOT be able to attach additional files after you have hit the Submit button.

Review of applications will begin

Position Type:

About Smith College

Located in Northampton, MA, Smith College is one of the largest women’s colleges in the country and is dedicated to excellence in teaching and research across the liberal arts. A faculty of outstanding scholars interact with students in small classes, as advisors, and through student-faculty research projects. The College is a member of the Five College Consortium with Amherst, Hampshire and Mt. Holyoke Colleges, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Students cross-enroll and faculty cross-teach across the Five Colleges.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 151B, it is the policy of Smith College to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact our recruiting team at recruiting-u@smith.edu.

As set forth in our mission and values, Smith College is committed to promoting a culture of equity and inclusion among students, staff and faculty. The College will not discriminate in employment on the basis of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or any other classification protected by law. Smith College is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination.