Researcher in computational medicinal chemistry - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The Department of Chemistry – BMC is located at the Uppsala Biomedical Centre campus. It belongs to the Faculty of Science and Technology and conducts research in biochemistry, organic chemistry, analytical chemistry,  theoretical chemistry, and physical chemistry. The research is focused on catalysis, molecular recognition, structure and dynamics of complex molecular systems, and relationships between the presence of biomolecules and synthetic chemical compounds with various disease states. There is also strong research in method and technology development, including the design and synthesis of small organic molecules and biological macromolecules. Development of new biochemical and analytical methods are the basis for advanced studies of biological systems and their regulation, and how diseases can be diagnosed and treated. The department benefits from close contacts with other disciplines nearby and interacts with biomedicine, pharmacy, physics and materials science. Scientists with expertise in biophysical methods of interaction analysis are responsible for a facility belonging to SciLifeLab, part of a national infrastructure for research in life science. The creative and research-intense environment contributes to a broad knowledge-base as well as cutting-edge expertise. In addition, Uppsala University has a highly developed innovation office that gives support for commercialization and external collaboration. Read more here. 

Uppsala University offers one of the country’s best educations in chemistry, with strong links to world-leading research. A wide range of courses, excellent research connections, and extensive lab work characterizes the teaching. Together with our colleagues at the Department of Chemistry – Ångström, we are responsible for the Bachelor and Master programs in Chemistry, and the Master of Science in Chemical Engineering, together with the Faculty of Pharmacy. We provide courses and parts of courses to other education programs, both within and outside the faculty. Read more here.

We are looking for a researcher in computational medicinal chemistry, temporary position for two years

This project aims at the investigation of structure-property relationships for drug-like compounds in the chemical space beyond the rule of 5. The specific tasks of the researcher will be the computational characterization of the compounds that will be studied, and derivation of predictive models for key drug properties. Being part of a collaborative project the researcher will be involved in a multidisciplinary chemical environment and will take part of discussions with medicinal chemists and NMR spectroscopists.

Qualifications: To be eligible to apply you must have a Ph.D. in computational medicinal chemistry, or an exam which is judged comparable to a Swedish Ph.D. in the same subject.

We seek a talented and open-minded candidate, who is eager to learn and has a genuine scientific interest. Extensive knowledge in and documented experience in computational medicinal chemistry is mandatory. Special emphasis will be put on knowledge and experience in i) quantitative structure activity relationships (QSARs), ii) machine learning,  iii) molecular dynamics simulations and iv) different methods for molecular docking. A proven track record of applying these and other computational methods for modeling of cell permeability and solubility, and for structure based design, in drug discovery projects is also required.

We emphasize the importance of personal suitability for this position. You need to be strongly motivated to carry out the work in the project and contribute by coming up with new creative ideas. This project requires that you are able to work independently and that you have excellent collaborative skills, as the project will require that you are able to cooperate with scientists from other organizations. You also need to be fully proficient in oral and written English in order to be able to interact and communicate efficiently with collaborators, and publish internationally. You must be organized and systematic in your work. As an experienced researcher you will be expected to co-supervise the work of younger scientists and thus you need to have the skills necessary to support young scientists and to actively contribute to a pleasant and productive work environment.

In this recruitment the university will only consider candidates who, after an overall assessment, show the top qualifications and personal characteristics to perform and develop the project tasks and contribute to a positive development of the group and its activities. Personal circumstances (for example parental leave) that are important for the validation of merits should also be described in the application.

Additional qualifications: Experience in quantum chemical calculations are a strong merit for this employment.

Do not forget to submit relevant documents and papers.

Salary: Individual salary.

Starting: The position is available from August 1, 2020, or according to agreement.

Type of employment: Temporary position.

Period of appointment: Two years.

Level of employment: 100 %

For further information about the position please contact: Jan Kihlberg (e-mail: jan.kihlberg@kemi.uu.se, +46-18-4713801).

Please submit your application by 26 March 2020, UFV-PA 2020/893.

Are you considering moving to Sweden to work at Uppsala University? If so, you will find a lot of information about working and living in Sweden at www.uu.se/joinus. You are also welcome to contact International Faculty and Staff Services at ifss@uadm.uu.se.