PhD position in Chemistry, with a specialization in organic chemistry - Befattningen är under tillsättning eller redan tillsatt, och det är inte längre möjligt att lämna in en ansökan

The Department of Chemistry is opening a PhD position in Chemistry 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 3 April 2024. Starting date is according to agreement.

Description of work

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 synthesis of small drug-like molecules that are bactericidal against a broad spectrum of Gram-positive bacteria that can cause severe healthcare-associated infections. From a chemical series used as tools to understand bacterial pathogenicity, we have identified lead compounds that are bactericidal to Gram-positive bacteria that can also restore antibiotic susceptibility and boost the efficacy of standard-of-care antibiotics. The compounds 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 with the aim to unravel the exact mode of action. The work thus mainly concerns synthetic organic chemistry and method development. 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.

Eligibility 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 eligibility requirements must be met at the time of admission, but do not need to be met when you submit your application.

Other qualifications

• 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.

It is a merit if the research related to synthetic organic chemistry is connected to chemical biology or equivalent.

You are enthusiastic, thorough, and precise and are able to work both independently and in a group. Furthermore, you enjoy experimental work, take responsibility, and has a very good ability to drive your work forward. 

Application

A complete application must include:

1. A cover letter summarizing your qualifications, scientific interests and motives for applying (max two pages)

2. CV

3. 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 proficiency)

The application is submitted through our e-recruitment system, log in and apply at the bottom of the page. Apply no later than 3 April 2024.

Contact professor 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 within the Faculty of Science and Technology with approximately 200 employees and strong and expanding research. The Department has four major research areas: Biological Chemistry, IBEAM, Organic chemistry and Technical Chemistry. We are also a strong partner in the KBC, Chemical-Biological Center. Information about the postgraduate education can be found on the Faculty of Science and Technology website: www.umu.se/en/faculty-of-science-and-technology/education/doctoral-studies/chemistry/. For more information about working at Umeå University, https://www.umu.se/en/work-with-us/.