Position Summary The Lee laboratory at Michigan State University (MSU) is seeking a highly motivated, creative, and collaborative Postdoctoral Scholar in synthetic/medicinal chemistry or chemical biology to join our multidisciplinary drug discovery team. The scholar will play a key role in three translational programs focused on (1) neurological disorders, (2) metabolic disorders, and (3) a rare genetic neurodegenerative disease. This position will be for a one-year, fixed term role with the possibility of renewal depending on performance and funding availability. Supported by the MSU Research Foundation (MSURF) Postdoctoral Scholar Program, this position is designed for a talented recent PhD who wants to expand beyond synthetic chemistry and develop into a well-rounded drug discovery scientist. The scholar will design and synthesize novel small molecules while receiving hands-on training in SAR/lead optimization, high-throughput screening, in vitro ADME/drug metabolism, pharmacokinetics and PK modeling, target engagement, and in vivo pharmacology. Prior expertise in these areas beyond synthetic chemistry is not required---we are looking for someone who is eager to learn, highly coachable, receptive to feedback, and enthusiastic about developing new scientific skills and has demonstrated has good communication and collaborative skills. Key responsibilities and opportunities include: Design and synthesize novel small molecules and optimize their potency and drug-like properties. Integrate medicinal chemistry, ADME/PK, target-engagement, and in vivo data to guide lead optimization. Collaborate closely with chemists, biologists, pharmacologists, and other scientists on multidisciplinary drug discovery projects. Participate in high-throughput in vivo screening to discover therapeutic targets and candidates for a rare neurodegenerative disease. Apply emerging technologies, including AI-assisted drug discovery, where scientifically appropriate. Publish high-impact research, present at scientific meetings, and contribute to manuscripts and proposals. Receive dedicated mentoring toward scientific independence and NIH career-transition awards or equivalent fellowships. We seek candidates with a PhD in organic/synthetic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, chemical biology, or a related field and strong expertise in multistep organic synthesis and compound characterization. Equally important, the successful candidate should be a team-oriented scientist who communicates openly, welcomes constructive feedback, learns quickly, supports colleagues, and is motivated to grow both scientifically and professionally. This position is particularly suited for candidates seeking careers in pharmaceutical/biotechnology R&D, medicinal chemistry, translational science, or academic drug discovery. As an institution of higher learning, Michigan State University is committed to providing a safe environment for its students, faculty, and staff in support of its educational mission. With this commitment, the University conducts criminal background checks and professional misconduct reviews of all applicants for employment in faculty, academic staff, and executive management searches. Professional Misconduct Review A professional misconduct review is a prerequisite for a candidate to be selected for this position. Applicants will be asked to disclose whether they are subject to any pending investigation, findings or sanctions related to professional misconduct. Professional misconduct includes misconduct related to a person's employment, including, but not limited to, theft, embezzlement, research integrity, discrimination, or harassment under civil rights laws and policies, including protected identity harassment, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct (sexual assault, sexual exploitation, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, etc.), and reta