Description
Florida Atlantic University (FAU) – Roche Research Group
The Roche Research Group at Florida Atlantic University is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellow to join an interdisciplinary research program focused on developing next-generation peptide therapeutics targeting protein–protein interactions (PPIs) in inflammatory disease.
This Leo Foundation–supported project leverages the ADAPT platform, a novel technology that converts antibody CDR-H3 loops into β-hairpin peptide mimetics with antibody-like specificity and improved pharmacokinetic properties. The primary biological focus is the inhibition of IL-17 and IL-23 signaling pathways relevant to psoriasis (I&I).
Responsibilities
Design, synthesize, and characterize CDR-H3–mimetic β-hairpin peptides using solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS)
Develop and screen non-covalent and covalent peptide libraries
Perform peptide folding and stability analyses (CD spectroscopy, VT-CD)
Conduct structural studies by NMR spectroscopy
Collaborate on biochemical, cellular, and in vivo validation studies (ELISA, keratinocyte assays, murine psoriasis models)
Analyze and integrate chemical, biophysical, and biological data for publication
Contribute to manuscripts, grant reports, and collaborative discussions
Duration: Up to 3 years
Salary: $62,000 per year plus full benefits
Start Date: Preferably March-April 2026
The successful candidate will work in a well-equipped laboratory environment and interact closely with collaborators at the Miller School of Medicine at the University of Miami, the University of Colorado, and UF-Scripps for biological and pharmacokinetic studies.
To apply: Please submit a CV, brief statement of research interests, and contact information for 2–3 references to Dr. Stephane Roche (sroche2@fau.edu).
Requirements
Required Qualifications
Ph.D. in Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Chemical Biology, or a closely related field
Strong background in synthetic organic or peptide chemistry
Experience with SPPS and peptide purification (HPLC, LC-MS)
Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative research team
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with peptide secondary structure analysis (CD, NMR)
Familiarity with covalent inhibitors or protein–protein interaction modulators
Interest in translational research and drug discovery
Appointment & Compensation
