PhD student position in organic/medicinal chemistry - ,

The Department of Chemistry are offering a PhD student position in an interdisciplinary project focused on development of new strategies to study G-quadruplex DNA and its potential as drug target. The last day for applying is the 20th September 2023. The first day of employment starts in autumn 2023, or by agreement.

Project description

G-quadruplex DNA are involved in central biological processes such as gene expression. In this project, we want to develop ways to affect G4 DNA structures to explore their functions and to investigate their potential as therapeutic target to regulate disease-causing genes. Research in Erik Chorell’s lab has focused on the development of small molecules that bind and stabilize G-quadruplex DNA. This has generated many compound classes that efficiently bind and stabilize this DNA structure and has further also identified the key factors that drive these interactions. Now, we want to further advance this project and explore G-quadruplex DNA both as drug target and from a basic research perspective using new modalities such as oligonucleotide conjugations. The planned research will be conducted at the Department of Chemistry and will focus on oligonucleotide conjugation but also involve small molecule synthesis and biophysical evaluations. To implement this, we have access to excellent facilities for all types of organic chemistry and biophysical studies with all required instrumentation. In addition, we also have close collaborations with Swedish infrastructures such as SciLifeLab for more detailed studies and Umeå Biotech Incubator AB to take promising ideas forward towards societal use. Finally, we have a friendly and open atmosphere in the lab and between research groups at the department with joint journal clubs, meetings, seminars, and retreats. Combined with established and well-working collaborations within academia and industry, we aim to build an atmosphere that catalyze scientific breakthroughs.

We welcome you to become part of our team!

Working tasks

The research focus of the advertised position will be on the design and synthesis of small molecules that bind G-quadruplex DNA and oligonucleotide conjugations. The synthesized compounds will be characterized and evaluated for their ability to bind G-quadruplex DNA and affect gene transcription in different cellular and biophysical assays. In this PhD student position, you will also design scientific experiments and evaluate experimental research data in collaboration with other researchers in the team. The work will be performed together with other members of the group and in close contact with collaborators within both academia and industry, which will allow for assistance and training to learn new techniques.

You are expected to develop skills in presenting research data in the form of scientific publications and to participate and present research data at national and international conferences and meetings. In addition to the research project, a certain number of courses are included in the doctoral education, some generic for all doctoral students and others are possible to influence to tailor your education to your needs and interests.

In this great context you will have an excellent opportunity to build on your current strengths and further develop skills and competence relevant for your future career.

Please visit our homepage for more details.

Competence 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 the specialization or an equivalent subject.

Good knowledge of written and spoken English is a requirement. You have experience in bioorganic synthesis including purification/characterization techniques such as HPLC, NMR and MS, acquired through, for example, a degree project or equivalent. Previous experience of working with oligonucleotides and biophysical studies is a merit.

You are expected to design and implement your project independently but also in close cooperation with other members of the team, good collaboration skills and independence are therefore a requirement.

Terms of employment

The appointment aims at a PhD degree and the main task of the PhD student is to pursue their doctoral studies, which includes participation in research projects as well as postgraduate courses. In the assignments, teaching and other departmental work (up to a maximum of 20%) can be included. The employment is limited to four years full-time or up to five years when part-time teaching. The salary placement takes place according to the established salary level for doctoral employment.

Application
The application must include a personal letter explaining why you apply for the position, a CV, relevant certificates and grades. Names and contact information to at least two reference persons will be requested later in the recruitment process.

The application must be received via our e-recruitment system Varbi no later than 20th of September, 2023.

For more information, please contact associate professor Erik Chorell, e-mail: erik.chorell@umu.se.  

About us
The Department of Chemistry is one of the largest departments within the Faculty of Science and Technology with approximately 200 employees, of which approximately 40 doctoral students, and a strong and expanding research. The department is located within the Chemical Biological Centre at Umeå University and provides excellent facilities and state-of-art equipment and platforms in a creative, inspiring, international, and highly interactive environment. Umeå University is located close to the city center and the city, the region, and Northern Sweden have much to offer.

Information about the doctoral education can be found on the Faculty of Science and Technology website.