PhD student position in organic/medicinal chemistry - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

We are offering a PhD student position in a interdisciplinary project focused on development of new strategies to study G-quadruplex DNA and its potential as drug target. G-quadruplex DNA structures are prevalent secondary DNA structures that are implicated in fundamental cellular functions, some of which are directly correlated to human diseases such as cancer (e.g. regulation of oncogene expression). There are large gaps in the knowledge of the biological functions and regulation of G-quadruplex DNA and although they are highlighted as promising drug targets, their scope remains to be elucidated. 

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, we aim to build an atmosphere that catalyze scientific breakthroughs. 

This PhD student position also includes the opportunity to plan and evaluate experimental research work in collaboration with other researchers linked to this project. You will also get the opportunity to further your merits by writing and presenting obtained research data in publications as well as at scientific conferences and meetings.

We welcome you to become part of our team!

Please visit our homepage for more details. 

Working tasks
The main working task as a PhD student at the Department of Chemistry at Umeå University is research work and the planned research is within organic and medicinal chemistry. In more detail, the work will focus on the design and synthesis of small molecules that bind G-quadruplex DNA and oligonucleotide conjugations. The synthesized compounds will be characterized and evaluated in different biophysical assays to analyze their binding affinity and selectivity. The work will be performed together with post docs in the group and in close contact with collaborators, which will allow for assistance and training to learn new techniques. The work should be communicated to the scientific community through publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals. In addition to this, lab journals should be kept and joint efforts to keep the lab operations running are also part of the tasks. You are also expected to actively participate in the discussions of the project both within the research group and with collaborating research groups.

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 25th of March, 2022

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 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. For more information, read here.

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