15.07.2026

The Babak Lab (thebabaklab.com) is seeking a highly motivated and talented Postdoctoral Fellow with a strong background in synthetic organic or inorganic chemistry to join our dynamic research team under the direction of Prof. Maria Babak.

The successful candidate will lead several cutting-edge projects focused on the development of novel anticancer agents targeting cancers with significant unmet clinical need. You will work in close collaboration with biologists and medical doctors, bridging synthetic chemistry with translational oncology to deliver transformative therapeutics.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and execute multi-step syntheses of novel organic and inorganic compounds with anticancer potential

• Drive the discovery and development of novel chemical entities against hard-to-target oncogenic pathways

• Publish high-impact research in leading journals and present findings at international conferences

• Contribute to grant writing and the preparation of research funding proposals

• Oversee safety practices at the laboratory, including proper handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials, and ensuring compliance with institutional safety regulations

Required qualifications and skills:

• Non-negotiables

• Deep expertise in organic synthesis, with a proven track record of designing and executing complex synthetic routes

• Strong publication record in high-impact peer-reviewed journals

• A strong work ethic and scientific ambition, with a commitment to going the extra mile to ensure project success and the resilience to overcome obstacles and deliver results

• Emotional intelligence – the ability to collaborate effectively, communicate openly, and support colleagues in a fast-paced, interdisciplinary environment

• Desirable

• Interest in machine learning and chemoinformatics, with the ability to leverage computational tools for drug discovery and compound optimization

• Familiarity with cancer research

• Successful experience in grant writing and a demonstrated track record of securing research funding

What we offer:

• Cutting-edge cancer research in a highly multidisciplinary group (https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/jacs.4c17966; https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/jacs.5c18904; https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2417269122)

• Regular group meetings and brainstorming sessions to foster creativity and scientific exchange

• Opportunities for conference attendance and potential overseas collaborations with leading institutions, including the University of Cambridge, Scripps Research, and other world-class universities

• Regular scientific lunches and outings to promote informal scientific discussion and team bonding

• Long-term position available for exceptional candidates with outstanding performance. Top candidates will have the opportunity to apply for competitive postdoctoral research scholarships offered by the Hong Kong government

How to apply:

The position is available immediately. Interested candidates should send their CV and their most representative publication to mbabak@cityu.edu.hk