Postdoctoral position (2 years) in synthetic medicinal chemistry

The Department of Chemistry offers a postdoctoral position in the field of synthetic medicinal chemistry that will mainly work on developing multistage organic syntheses and solve challenging synthetic problems to efficiently produce and characterize new molecules. The postdoctoral project includes designing, synthesizing and characterizing new compounds and producing them with sufficient purity to be tested in biological systems. Last day to apply is July 31st 2020.

Project 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 including Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant enterococcus (VRE). We have also 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. The projects are 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.

Working tasks
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 applicant will participate in the writing of publications. As a postdoc, you must contribute your knowledge to the research group, summarize the research and present your progress at group meetings.

The employment is full-time for a period of two years, starting at a date decided in agreement between the two parties.

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.

Application
The application must contain the following documents:
– A cover letter that describes qualifications, research interests, and motivation for application (maximum 2 pages)
– A curriculum vitae, including a publication list
– A copy of PhD thesis and relevant publications
– A copy of doctoral degree certificate and other relevant degree certificates and grades,
– Name and contact information of at least two reference persons

Applications must be submitted via our e-recruitment system Varbi no later than July 31st, 2020. Use the button ‘Apply via Recruiter’’.

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

Information about us
Department of Chemistry is the largest department in the Faculty of Science and Technology, with approximately 200 employees, including about 40 doctoral students, and with a strong and expanding research. Three major areas of research; Biological Chemistry, Environmental and Biogeochemistry and Technical Chemistry, represents the research and chemistry education of our department. We are also a strong partner in KBC, The Chemical-Biological Centre (https://www.umu.se/en/kbc). For more information about working at Umeå University: www.umu.se/en/work-with-us/.

Umeå University is dedicated to providing creative environments for learning and work. We offer a wide variety of courses and programmes, world leading research, and excellent innovation and collaboration opportunities. More than 4 100 employees and 34 000 students have already chosen Umeå University. We welcome your application!

Umeå University wants to offer an equal environment where open dialogue between people with different backgrounds and perspectives lay the foundation for learning, creativity and development. We welcome people with different backgrounds and experiences to apply for the current employment.

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