Postdoc in nucleic acid 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 290 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. (https://kemi.uu.se/angstrom/?languageId=1).

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.

Project description and work duties
The Department of Chemistry invites applications for a researcher position to conduct original research within the field of synthesis of modified oligonucleotides (synthetic chemistry background) and in vitro evaluation of drug formulations (cell biology background).

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. 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
The applicant should have a PhD degree in oligonucleotide or related fields. The degree needs to be obtained by the time of the decision of employment. Those who have obtained a PhD degree within three years prior to the application deadline are primarily considered for the employment. The starting point of the three-year frame period is the application deadline. Due to special circumstances, the degree may have been obtained earlier. The three-year period can be extended due to circumstances such as sick leave, parental leave, duties in labour 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 characterization of oligonucleotides. Extensive experience in nucleic acid delivery, organic chemistry, bioconjugation chemistry, reaction mechanism, biomaterial research, 1D and 2D NMR analysis, HPLC and electrophoresis is a requirement for the position.

The candidate needs to have industrial experience in relevant fields with knowledge on commercial applications, IPR and data management. 

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.

Absolut the employment
The employment is a temporary position of 2 years according to central collective agreement. Scope of employment 100 %. Starting date 1st of May or as agreed. Placement: Department of Chemistry-Ångström, Uppsala.

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 April 3 2023, UFV-PA 2023/700.

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