Postdoc position in nucleic acid and carbohydrate chemistry - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The Department of Chemistry - Ångström conducts research and education in the chemistry field. The department has more than 230 employees and has a turnover just over 220 million SEK. At the department's seven programs, we conduct very successful research of a high international standard. We have a large number of externally funded research projects, often with international cooperation and we see continued good growth in our subject area. The department has education assignments in engineering and civil engineering programmes and Master programmes. More information is available on our website. 

Subject description: The Department of Chemistry – Ångström Laboratory has for many years focused on the development of materials for biomedical application which includes chemically modified nucleic acid drugs and nanomaterials for drug delivery applications. We develop novel chemically modified oligonucleotides and combine them with natural biopolymers present in the extracellular matrix. This allows the development of novel drug molecules that are stable in vivo as well as promote cell-specific delivery of the cargo molecules. The research is, therefore, both fundamental and applied.

Work duties: The main duties involved in a post-doctoral position is to conduct research. Teaching may also be included, but up to no more than 20% of working hours. In this project, chemically modified oligonucleotides will be designed to develop RNA interference (RNAi) drugs that will enable an improvement in enzymatic stability in blood plasma as well as enhance gene silencing potential. The modified RNA drugs will be combined with tailored nanocarriers possessing aptamer-based targeting ligands. The candidate will be involved in a European collaboration, involving industrial partners and will conduct original interdisciplinary research involving organic chemistry and cell and molecular biology. The work includes, synthesis of novel chemically modified oligonucleotides, RNA delivery systems, perform biophysical and biochemical analysis and stability studies by radio labelling DNA/RNA as well as gene silencing studies in human cell models. The candidate will also be expected to supervise degree projects and doctoral students, actively seeking external research funding and closely collaborate with industrial partners in the project. 

Requirements: For employment as postdoc, the applicant should have a PhD exam or an international equivalent within the field of Organic Chemistry or equivalent, within a maximum of three (3) years before the final application date. During certain circumstances, an earlier PhD can be acceptable. Certain circumstances include leave due to illness, parental leave, in trade unions, etc.

The candidate should have a background in carbohydrate chemistry and nucleic acids chemistry, with hands on experience in solid-phase oligonucleotide synthesis, purification and characterisation of oligonucleotides.

The assessment of applications is based primarily on the applicant's ability to conduct independent research based on scientific skill. Greater importance is attached to the quality of individual scientific work, than to the number of publications. Good communication and writing skills in English are required.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within the department, and how they stand to contribute to its future development.

Additional requirements: Experience nucleic acid delivery, organic chemistry, bioconjugation chemistry, reaction mechanism, biomaterial research, 1D and 2D NMR analysis, HPLC and electrophoresis will be considered advantageous. Experience with supervision of PhD students, master students as well as teaching undergraduate students will be appreciated.

Furthermore, industrial experience in relevant fields with knowledge on commercial applications, IPR and data management will be preferred.

Salary: Individual pay.

Starting date: 2020-10-01 or as otherwise agreed.

Type of employment: Temporary position for two years.

Scope of employment: 100 %

For further information about the position please contact: Oommen Varghese, +46 18 471 38 32, oommen.varghese@kemi.uu.se.

Please submit your application by 14 of September 2020, UFV-PA 2020/3010.

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