Uppsala University, Department of Chemistry – BMC
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Department of Chemistry – BMC conducts research and education in analytical chemistry, biochemistry and organic chemistry. More than 100 people work at the department. New employees and students are recruited from all over the world and English is the main working language. The department is located at the Biomedical Centre in Uppsala, which facilitates collaborations with research groups in biology, pharmacy, medicine and SciLifeLab and gives access to advanced infrastructure for experimental and theoretical studies. You can find more information about us here.
Project description
The overall aim of the research is to investigate structure-property relationships for drug-like compounds in the beyond Rule of 5 space, for instance macrocycles and proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs).
Duties
Computational characterization of the studied compounds and derivation of predictive models for key properties in drug discovery. Emphasis will be put on models for cell permeability and oral absorption, as well as how compounds bind to potential drug targets. You will be part of several collaborative projects in a multidisciplinary environment and will take part in discussions with experts in pharmacy, medicinal chemistry and structural biology. You may also be asked to contribute to the department’s teaching at courses in drug discovery at the masters level.
Requirements
To qualify for an employment as a researcher you must have a PhD degree or a foreign degree equivalent to a PhD degree in computational medicinal chemistry. Postdoctoral experience in computational medicinal chemistry is required.
We seek a open-minded candidate, who is eager to learn and has a genuine scientific interest. Extensive knowledge in and documented experience in computational medicinal chemistry is mandatory. Special emphasis will be put on documented experience in the use of i) quantitative structure activity relationships (QSARs) and machine learning, ii) molecular dynamics simulations, iii) molecular docking methodologies, and iv) quantum chemical calculations. A proven track record of applying these and other computational methods for modeling of cell permeability, solubility and oral absorption, as well as in structure-based design, in drug discovery projects is also required.
We attach great importance to personal qualities such as being strongly motivated to carry out the work in the project and contribute by coming up with new creative ideas. This project requires that you are able to work independently and that you have excellent collaborative skills, as the project will require that you are able to cooperate with scientists from other organizations. You must be organized and systematic in your work. As an experienced researcher you will be expected to co-supervise younger scientists and thus you need to have the skills necessary to support young scientists and to actively contribute to a pleasant and productive work environment.
Candidates must be able to express themselves very well in spoken as well as written English, to be able to interact and communicate efficiently with collaborators, and publish internationally.
About the employmentThe employment is a permanent position, probationary period may be applied. Scope of employment 100 %. Starting date as agreed. Placement: Uppsala.
For further information about the position, please contact: Jan Kihlberg, jan.kihlberg@kemi.uu.se
Please submit your application by January 7th 2022, UFV-PA 2021/4906.