Two 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 250 employees and has a turnover of 250 million SEK. At the department's six 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 programs and master's programs. More information is available on our website. 

Project 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 formulate them into nanoparticles by combining them with natural biopolymers present in the extracellular matrix. This allows the development of novel drug systems that are stable in vivo as well as promote cell-specific delivery of the cargo molecules. The research is both fundamental and applied.

Work duties: The department of Chemistry invites applications for two postdoctoral positions to conduct original research with in the field of synthesis of modified oligonucleotides (synthetic chemistry background) and in vitro evaluation of drug formulations (cell biology background). 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 glycosaminoglycans-based targeting ligands. Novel formulation of nanocarriers and microscopic imaging to determine intracellular trafficking will be the primary focus of the project. 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, performing biophysical and biochemical analysis and stability studies by radiolabelling DNA/RNA, in vitro gene silencing studies in human cell models, and intracellular transport studies using microscopic techniques. One of the postdoc positions will be for drug formulation while the other one will be for the biological evaluation of the drug carriers. The candidate will also be expected to supervise degree projects and doctoral students, actively seek external research funding and closely collaborate with industrial partners in the project.

Requirements: For the first position, the applicant should have PhD in organic chemistry or related fields. 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 with a background in carbohydrate chemistry and nucleic acids chemistry, with hands-on experience in solid-phase oligonucleotide synthesis, purification and characterization of oligonucleotides will be given a priority.

For the second position, the applicant should have PhD in biophysics, biochemistry, cell and molecular biology or related fields, 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 oligonucleotide-based drug design, in vitro transfection, qPCR, Western blot, confocal microscopy, molecular labelling of intracellular compartments.

Joint for both positions the assessment of applications is based primarily on the applicant's ability to conduct independent research based on scientific skills. The quality of the applicant´s scientific achievement is more important than 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.

Desirable qualifications: Industrial experience in relevant fields with knowledge on commercial applications, IPR and data management will be prefered. Experience with supervision of PhD students, master students as well as teaching undergraduate students is also advantageous.

For the first position extensive experience in nucleic acid delivery, organic chemistry, bioconjugation chemistry, reaction mechanism, biomaterial research, 1D and 2D NMR analysis, HPLC and electrophoresis will be considered advantageous.

For the second position experience within in vitro, in vivo experimentation with different nucleic acid drugs such as plasmid DNA, short interfering RNA (siRNA), miRNA, antisense oligonucleotides, Crispr Cas9 will be considered advantageous.

Application procedure: The application should include a statement of research interest, CV, certificates of exams, degrees and grades, a copy of Master thesis, published article or relevant materials, if available. Also, contact information of at least two reference persons should be included.

Salary: Individual pay.

Starting date: 2022-02-01.

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 December 27 2021, UFV-PA 2021/4782.

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