Job Opportunities

NIH T32 Postdoctoral Fellowship: Natural Products Research at University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) Retzky College of Pharmacy

The UIC Retzky College of Pharmacy—consistently ranked in the top ten nationally for NIH funding—is seeking a high-caliber postdoctoral trainee for its long-standing T32 program. This fellowship offers a premier interdisciplinary environment for scientists dedicated to the discovery, safety, and efficacy of bioactive natural products.

Program Overview

• Start Date: August 16, 2026.
• Duration: Supported for up to two years.
• Mission: To prepare the next generation of scientists for leadership roles in academia, the pharmaceutical industry, and regulatory agencies.
• Research Focus: Pharmacognosy and bioactive natural products research in complementary and integrated health.

Exceptional Training Opportunities

Trainees benefit from trans-disciplinary approach coordinated in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences (PSCI). Key components include:

• Professional Development: Creation of an Individual Development Plan (IDP) and participation in “Grant Writing for New Investigators”.
• Scientific Rigor: Mandatory training in the Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) and Natural Products Integrity.
• Networking & Outreach: Opportunities for national conference presentations and public outreach via the Atkins Garden Walk.
• Mentorship: Active mentorship from well-funded, highly regarded faculty.

Eligibility & Requirements

• Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen or Legal Permanent Resident (LPR).
• Education: Must have completed all Ph.D. requirements (preferably in pharmacognosy, medicinal chemistry, or a related field).
• Commitment: Trainees must dedicate their activities fully to the T32 program.

Interested candidates must submit the following for review:

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV).
2. Research & Training Summary (1-2 pages): Outline the project and its relevance to pharmacognosy and bioactive natural products research and identify a UIC T32 mentor.
3. Project Milestones & Funding Plan: Outline completion dates and describe plans for individual funding efforts (e.g., F32) in coordination with the identified UIC T32 mentor.
4. Three Letters of Recommendation: one must be from the Ph.D. advisor; all must be sent directly to the program.
5. By mentor One-page nomination including: current funding that can support instrumentation and laboratory supplies for the candidate’s project; plan on how the mentor will contribute to the T32 training program.

How to Apply

Application Deadline & Questions: for questions and to submit nomination packages, please contact T32 Program Coordinator, Elizabeth Ryan; deadline is June 12, 2026.

Program Directors Drs. Guido Pauli and Jimmy Orjala