PhD project in Pharmacognosy; Peptide design and development for challenging targets.

Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences

The Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences is an interdisciplinary environment where 10 research areas work to contribute to better medicines and a healthier world. With laboratories in the heart of Uppsala Biomedical Center and Sweden's only Faculty of Pharmacy, we are a vital engine in the development of education and research in the pharmaceutical sciences. More information about the department and its activities is available at uu.se/farmbio.

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Duties

Peptides are gaining increased interest as therapeutics and research tools, driven by the mature chemistry for production, potency, specificity, and potential applicability to previously inaccessible targets. However, the use of peptides has drawbacks, such as poor stability and bioavailability. Modifications of peptides offer promising solutions to these limitations and are emerging as a crucial area of investigation in drug development.

In the current project we will further advance the field of discovery, design and development of novel peptide modalities. The overall aim is to use peptide chemistry to develop novel biologically active peptides. Specifically, we will explore the synthesis, use and effect of novel, structurally constrained peptides as selective ion channel modulators and for antibody detection and neutralization.

The work includes own research and administrative and teaching duties.

Qualifications
In order to be eligible for employment as a doctoral student, the applicant must have obtained a master's degree in a field relevant to the project, such as pharmacy, chemical engineering, chemistry or physics, and have a good command of spoken and written English. Personal suitability, motivation and interest in and experience of research in a relevant field are meritorious. Information about postgraduate studies, including eligibility requirements and admission rules, can be found at http://http://www.uu.se/vetenskapsomrade/medicin-och-farmaci/utbildning/utbildning-pa-forskarniva.

Selection of candidates is made by the supervisors in consultation with the department's group for postgraduate studies. The PhD student will be formally accepted by the Research Training Committee at the Disciplinary Domain of Medicine and Pharmacy and salary placement is done according to local guidelines at Uppsala University. The holder of a PhD-student position shall primarily devote her or his time to own research studies. Other departmental work, such as educational or administrative duties, can be part of the position (max 20%).

Experience of research in the field of peptide/protein chemistry and/or pharmacognosy is an asset, as is completed MSc Pharmacy education, including the practice in the pharmacy. Hands on experiences in peptide synthesis, protein expression, mass spectrometry, separation science are also considered as merits.

How to apply

The application should include:

1.  a letter describing yourself, your research interests, why you want to pursue a Ph.D., and why you are suitable for this position (maximum 1 page),
2.  your CV,
3.  a brief description of your education,
4.  a copy of your master's degree and your course grades, along with a copy of your master's thesis,
5.  names and contact details of at least two referees (email addresses and phone numbers), and any publications if applicable.

The application should be written in English.

The employment is a temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7. Scope of employment 100 %. Starting date as soon as possible as agreed.

Placement: Uppsala

For further information about the position, please contact: professor Ulf Göransson e-mail Ulf.Goransson@uu.se

For further information about the employment conditions, please contact: administrative manager Marina Rönngren, e-post marina.ronngren@uu.se

Please submit your application by May 14th 2025, UFV-PA 2025/610