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Are you interested in organic chemistry and medicinal chemistry? Are you a creative and self-motivated person who enjoys scientific and technical challenges? Then we welcome you to develop your skills within our research team! We are offering a postdoctoral scholarship for a project with focus on design, organic synthesis and biological evaluation of organic molecules as chemical tools to elucidate the function of metacaspases in plants and protozoa. The fellowship is for two years. Welcome with your application no later than May 10, 2022.
Project description
The objective of the research project is to develop biologically active organic molecules that can be used as chemical tools aimed at meeting the fast-growing demands of basic research in the area of metacaspases (MCs). These enzymes are present in all kingdoms of life, except for animals, and highly selective and specific probes with MC-modulating activity will generate new knowledge regarding the proteases’ structure and function. The results of this project will not only have a transformative impact on the field of MC research but will as well impel large and multidisciplinary community of scientists studying animal caspases. The fact that MCs are found in protozoa but not in humans makes it an attractive target for development of anti-parasitic drugs. Finding inhibitors or activators specific for protozoa MC will not only give valuable insights into the inter-species differences of MC function, but may also be a means of modulating virulence of parasitic protozoa, like Trypanosoma and Leishmania, in mammals thereby reducing their pathogenicity. You will design and synthesize molecules that inhibit or enhance the function of metacaspases by targeting active or allosteric sites. This project will be carried out within a research group that uses multidisciplinary approaches to address medicinal chemistry research questions.
The fellowship covers full-time studies for two years with start as soon as possible. The fellowship amount is SEK 300,000 per year and the project is financed by the Kempe Foundations.
Qualifications
The applicant must hold a PhD degree or a foreign degree that is deemed equivalent in the field of organic chemistry or equivalent. Priority should be given to candidates who have completed their PhD degree no more than three years before the end of the application period, unless special circumstances exist. 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.
Very good command of the English language, both written and spoken, is required. You should have a genuine interest in organic- and medicinal chemistry and be prepared to take on scientific and technical challenges. You should be creative, with good interpersonal and collaborative skills, power of initiative, and a high degree of independence. The applicant must have competence in synthetic organic chemistry (e.g., methodology, total synthesis or medicinal chemistry). Experiences in biochemical and biological evaluations, X-ray crystallography and computational chemistry are merits.
Application
A full application should include:
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- Personal letter that summarizes qualifications, research interests, and the reasons for applying for the fellowship,
- Curriculum vitae with publication list,
- Certified copy of doctoral degree certificate,
- Certified copies of other diplomas, list of completed academic courses and grades,
- Contact information for at least two reference persons
The application should be written in English or Swedish. Your complete application, marked with reference number FS 2.1.7-741-22, should be sent electronically (in PDF format) to medel@diarie.umu.se (with the reference number on the subject line). The closing date is May 10, 2022. For more information please contact Prof. Anna Linusson, phone: 090-7866890, email: anna.linusson@umu.se.
Welcome with your application!
About us
The Department of Chemistry at Umeå University is one of the largest departments within the Faculty of Science and Technology and has about 200 employees, of which about 40 are doctoral students, and a strong and expanding research. Three major research areas, Biological Chemistry, Environmental and Biogeochemistry and Technical Chemistry bring together the research of the department and the education in chemistry. We are also a strong partner within KBC, Chemical Biological Center in Umeå. KBC offers an exciting research environment with excellent resources with regard to research infrastructure.
At Umeå University, everything is nearby. Our cohesive campus environment makes it easy to meet, collaborate and exchange knowledge, which promotes a dynamic and open culture where we rejoice in each other’s successes. If you are interested in knowing about Umeå University as a workplace, read more at: https://www.umu.se/en/work-with-us/.
Umeå University also offers a strong postdoc community with the Umeå Postdoc Society (UPS) which fosters networking amongst postdocs, organises social and career development events and works towards improving the postdoc experience at Umeå campus. Check out their website: https://umeapostdocsociety.se/ and do not hesitate to get in contact with them early on!
