PhD student position in Chemistry with focus on Organic Chemistry - Befattningen är under tillsättning eller redan tillsatt, och det är inte längre möjligt att lämna in en ansökan

We are now recruiting a doctoral student to a research project within chemical biology. The applicant should have experience in organic chemistry research and be interested in the design and development of small drug-like molecules, and fulfill the other requirements. Last day to apply is 25 January 2019.

Work description
The department of chemistry at Umeå University holds a strong position in the field of chemical biology where collaborations over disciplines are a key to be able to answer complex research questions. In this employment as doctoral student you will be working in such a project with focus on the design and development of small drug-like molecules that selectively inhibit Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) ability to convert to a tolerant state. In this tolerant state Mtb is persistent and unsensitive to antibiotics and immune responses. It is known that Mtb convert to this tolerant state but there are still a lot of gaps in the knowledge and more detailed mechanistic understanding is desired. We have named our compounds”Mycobacterial tolerans inhibitors” (MTIs) and they are very interesting both as chemical research tools to gain deeper mechanistic knowledge but also because they have therapeutic potential.

The main objective with this doctoral research project is to develop these molecules further in terms of their activity and selectivity but also to introduce chemical groups/features that make them more valuable as research tools in the aim to unravel the exact MTI mode of action. The work thus mainly concerns synthetic organic chemistry. However, because the evaluation of the compounds activity and selectivity are so central to the project you will also learn different methods to test the compounds. You will also attend group meetings with focus on the design and synthesis of the molecules as well as project meetings with collaborators where the use of the molecules in biological studies will be discussed. Several international research groups with complementary expertise are involved in the research program and regular meetings with these collaborators are also part of the work.

Requirements
To be admitted for studies at third-cycle level you are required to have completed a second-cycle level degree, or completed course requirements of at least 240 ECTS credits, of which at least 60 ECTS credits are at second-cycle level or have an equivalent education from abroad, or equivalent qualifications.

To fulfil the specific entry requirements to be admitted for studies at third-cycle level in chemistry, you are required to have completed first-cycle courses of at least 90 ECTS credits within the field of chemistry or another subject considered to be directly relevant to the specialization in question. Of those 90 ECTS credits, at least 15 ECTS credits shall have been acquired at second-cycle level within organic chemistry or an equivalent subject.

The successful candidate must have very good command of written and spoken English. Experience in research related to synthetic organic chemistry, achieved through for example a diploma work in a research group or similar, is also a requirement. It’s a merit if the research related to synthetic organic chemistry is connected to chemical biology or equivalent. You should be enthusiastic, like experimental work, be precise, have good working ethics and moral, and be able to work both independent and in a group.

Terms of employment
The employment is expected to result in a doctoral degree and the main assignment for the doctoral student is thus to be part of the research education, which includes participation in the described research project but also to take relevant courses. Teaching and other departmental work (up to a maximum of 20%) can be included. The employment is limited to four years at full time or up to five years if teaching and other departmental work is performed. The salary is fixed according to the established salary level for doctoral students.

Application
The application should include the following:

• CV
• A personal letter where you describe your scientific background and interests, previous research experience and why you are interested in the position
• Verified copies of graduation degrees, or equivalent, including documentation of performed academic courses and obtained grades as well as other relevant certificates (e.g. English knowledge)
• Name and contact information to at least two reference persons

The application is submitted through our e-recruitment system, log in and apply at the bottom of the page. Apply no later than 25 January 2019.

Contact Fredrik Almqvist for more information, telephone: +4670-3979097, e-mail: fredrik.almqvist@umu.se

Information about us
The Department of Chemistry is one of the largest departments at the Faculty of Science and Technology with approximately 200 employees, out of which 40 are doctoral students. The department is located within the Chemical Biological Centre (www.kbc.umu.se) at Umeå University and provides excellent facilities and state-of-art equipment and platforms in a creative, inspiring, international and highly interactive environment. We welcome your application!