Staff scientist in computational chemistry at the Chemical Biology Consortium

Summary

Do you want to contribute to top-quality science and innovation within the life sciences? Do you also have a PhD in computational chemistry or a related area and are service-oriented and communicative? The CBCS node at Umeå University now offers a chance to be part of and develop a national infrastructure in the field. Welcome to apply no later than Januari 10, 2025.

Description

Chemical Biology Consortium Sweden (CBCS) is an infrastructure for chemical biology at Science for Life Laboratory (SciLifeLab). CBCS specializes in identifying bioactive small molecules or chemical tools for all fields of life sciences. We offer collaborative services and guidance in assay development, small-molecule screening, and hit to chemical probe optimization. CBCS has a friendly and open atmosphere both locally and nationally with joint journal clubs, meetings, seminars, and retreats with the aim to build an atmosphere that catalyze scientific breakthroughs. To learn more about CBCS, please visit our website at www.cbcs.se.

Work tasks

This position provides an opportunity to work within a state-of-the-art research infrastructure, where you can contribute to high-impact chemical biology and drug discovery projects. Our team benefits from access to advanced resources and collaborative networks that span multiple disciplines, creating an environment rich in opportunities for cross-functional learning and innovation. We cultivate a stimulating atmosphere with the aim to both support your professional growth and foster groundbreaking research.

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of researchers on a range of drug discovery projects.
• Offer specialized computational chemistry support tailored to meet the specific needs of each project.
• Play an active role in the development and implementation of cutting-edge computational methods.
• Manage projects in close collaboration with researchers from diverse backgrounds.
• Stay updated within the field and actively contribute to the further development of CBCS.

Together with our computational chemistry team, you will apply advanced computational chemistry techniques to various chemical biology projects. Your work will encompass structure- and ligand-based drug design, conformational analysis, and data mining. You will also leverage AI/ML methodologies whenever applicable to drive innovative solutions in our research initiatives. An essential part of your role will involve operating in an international team within a vibrant research environment, and fostering close collaboration with researchers from diverse backgrounds.

Qualifications

You should have a PhD in chemistry, computational chemistry, or a related field. The role requires proficiency in structure- and ligand-based design, conformational analysis, and data mining. Familiarity with AI/ML, AlphaFold, and molecular dynamics is beneficial.

Programming Skills: Strong coding skills in Python and R, with experience using Unix-like operating systems (e.g., Linux). Knowledge of databases and SQL is an advantage.

Excellent written and spoken English communication and documentation skills are essential. A minimum of 1 year of relevant research experience in an academic or research institution is preferred. Experience in other chemical biology areas or the drug discovery industry is considered a plus.

To succeed in this role, you should be able to work both independently and collaboratively in a structured manner, managing multiple projects efficiently. It is important to be comfortable in a large infrastructure setting and have a service-oriented approach. You should be dedicated to high-quality, reproducible data production, and demonstrate strong collaborative and flexible working skills.

Emphasis will be placed on personal qualities.

About CBCS

CBCS has been active since 2010 with two nodes, one at Umeå University and one at Karolinska Institute, and has been financed by SciLifeLab (www.scilifelab.se) and the host universities. Since 2022, CBCS has been one of the Swedish Research Council's infrastructures of national interest. Through this, the existing operations were strengthened, and new service areas were included through four new nodes – at Lund, Uppsala, Linköping, and Gothenburg Universities, respectively. This position will be located at the CBCS node at Umeå University.

Umeå University is one of Sweden's most prominent universities, with more than 36,000 students and 4,200 employees. The university combines high-quality education and world-leading research in several disciplines. Umeå University is also the site of the pioneering discovery of the gene scissors CRISPR-Cas9 – a revolution in genetic engineering awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry.

At Umeå University, everything is close. Our cohesive campus makes it easy to meet, collaborate and

exchange knowledge, which benefits a dynamic and open culture. Are you interested in knowing more about Umeå University as a workplace? Read more at: https://www.umu.se/en/work-with-us/.

CBCS' operations at Umeå University are located at the Department of Chemistry, one of the largest departments within the Faculty of Science and Technology, with approximately 200 employees and a strong and expanding research. The department is located within the Chemical Biological Centre (https://www.umu.se/en/chemical-biological-centre/) at Umeå University. It provides excellent facilities, state-of-the-art equipment, and platforms in a creative, inspiring, international, and highly interactive environment. For more information, see http://www.umu.se/en/department-of-chemistry/. Umeå University is located close to the city center and the city, the region, and Northern Sweden have much to offer: https://www.gatewayumea.se.

Application

Your application must contain a personal letter with motivation for why you are applying for the job, a CV, a copy of the relevant diploma, and other relevant certificates/grades. Names and contact information for at least two reference persons will be requested later in the recruitment process.

Applications must be submitted via our e-recruitment system no later than January 10, 2025.

Terms of employment

The employment is full time and a fixed-term employment for one year. A probationary period may be applied. Start date as soon as possible or as agreed.

Information

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 50 doctoral students, and a strong and expanding research. The Department has four major research areas: Biological Chemistry, Environmental and Biogeochemistry, IBEAM 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/