Two postdoctoral fellowships in medicinal chemistry

The Department of Chemistry offers two postdoctoral fellowships in medicinal chemistry, one in synthetic medicinal chemistry and one with focus on computational chemistry. Last day to apply is 31 July 2020.

Description
The research group is focused on the design and synthesis of biologically active compounds against infectious and neurodegenerative diseases. Currently, the group focuses on designing and synthesizing new peptidomimetics to fight antibiotic-resistant bacteria. We have for example developed compounds that make the tuberculosis bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis sensitive to immune responses and certain antibiotics again. In collaboration with research groups in Europe and the United States, the effects of these compounds are being studied in in vitro and in vivo models and studies to understand the exact mechanisms of action are ongoing.

Two postdoctoral fellowships is now offered within this area. Each postdoctoral stipend is for 2 years tax-exempt with start as soon as possible and amounts to 300 000 SEK per year.

Project 1: Postdoctoral fellowship (2 years) in synthetic medicinal chemistry (reference number: FS 2.1.6-1258-20)

The project is interdisciplinary with collaborations across different fields of research and the postdoctoral candidate will have the opportunity to plan and develop routes to synthesize small organic molecules for chemical biology. The research involves the design, synthesis and purification of new analogues for compounds that have shown biological activity in vitro and in vivo.

The postdoctoral project includes designing, synthesizing and characterizing new compounds and producing them with sufficient purity to be tested in biological systems. In addition, the aim is to publish the research results and the postdoc will participate in the writing of these publications. As a postdoctoral fellow, you will contribute your knowledge to the research group, summarize the research and present your progress at group meetings.

Qualifications: The required qualification is a doctoral degree or a foreign degree that is deemed equivalent in chemistry in the field of organic chemistry or equivalent. Priority should be given to candidates who have completed their doctoral degree no more than three years before the closing date of the application. A candidate who has completed their degree prior to this may be considered if special circumstances exist. Special circumstances include absence due to illness, parental leave or clinical practice, appointments of trust in trade unions or similar circumstances.
The applicant must have good knowledge of synthetic organic chemistry (method development, total synthesis and/or medicinal chemistry) as well as a documented good ability to conduct research and present it in writing in the form of scientific publications in expert-reviewed journals. The applicant must be able to independently develop multistage syntheses and solve challenging synthetic problems in order to efficiently design, produce and characterize new molecules. A desire to conduct research in a multidisciplinary project and in an environment that promotes collaboration between people with different skills, as well as excellent oral and written knowledge of English is required.

Project 2: Postdoctoral fellowship (2 years) in medicinal chemistry with focus on computational chemistry (reference number: FS 2.1.6-1259-20)

The project is interdisciplinary with collaborations across different fields of research and the postdoctoral candidate will be an important part in the studies to understand the mechanisms of action and contribute with computational competence in the research that is ongoing to improve the effect and drug properties of the substances. The research involves molecular dynamics simulations, chemoinformatics and modeling of molecular interactions as well as some experimental parts on biophysical measurements.

The postdoctoral project includes computer-based calculations such as modeling molecular interactions, including virtual screening, molecular dynamics simulations and quantum mechanical calculations. Chemoinformatic analysis such as multivariate and univariate data analysis, statistical experimental design and molecular database management are also included. Biophysical / biochemical measurements in the laboratory may also occur.

Qualifications: The required qualification is a doctoral degree or a foreign degree that is deemed equivalent in the field of chemistry with a focus on medicinal chemistry or equivalent. Priority should be given to candidates who have completed their doctoral degree no more than three years before the closing date of the application. A candidate who has completed their degree prior to this may be considered if special circumstances exist. Special circumstances include absence due to illness, parental leave or clinical practice, appointments of trust in trade unions or similar circumstances.
It is required that you have documented specialist expertise in computational chemistry, as well as experience in the computer-based calculations such as modeling molecular interactions, including virtual screening, molecular dynamics simulations and quantum mechanical calculations. Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English is required. It is meriting if you also have practical experience of biophysical / biochemical evaluations of protein-ligand interactions.

Application
A full application should include:
• Personal letter describing your motivation for applying,
• Curriculum vitae CV with publication list,
• Certified copy of doctoral degree certificate,
• Certified copies of other diplomas, list of completed academic courses and/or grades,
• Copy of doctoral thesis and relevant articles,
• Contact information for at least two reference persons,
• Other documents that the applicant wishes to claim.

If you are applying for both fellowships, note that you must submit a complete application for each fellowship marked with the specific reference number. Submit your application as a PDF marked with the corresponding reference number both in the file name and in the subject field of the email, to medel@diarie.umu.se. Application deadline is 31 July 2020.

For further information, please contact Professor Fredrik Almqvist, phone: +4690-786 69 25 or email: fredrik.almqvist@umu.se

Information about us
The Department of Chemistry is one of the largest departments at the Faculty of Science and Technology at Umeå University and has nearly 200 employees, of which about 50 are postgraduate students and a strong and expanding research. The three major research areas are Biological Chemistry, Environmental and Biogeochemistry and Technical Chemistry. We are also a strong partner in KBC, Chemical-Biological Center (https://www.umu.se/en/kbc). For more information, see: https://www.umu.se/en/department-of-chemistry/

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