Umeå University is one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions with over 37,000 students and about 4,700 employees. The University offers a diversity of high-quality education and world-leading research in several fields. Notably, the groundbreaking discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool, which was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, was made here. At Umeå University, everything is close. Our cohesive campuses make it easy to meet, work together and exchange knowledge, which promotes a dynamic and open culture.
The ongoing societal transformation and large green investments in northern Sweden create enormous opportunities and complex challenges. For Umeå University, conducting research about – and in the middle of – a society in transition is key. We also take pride in delivering education to enable regions to expand quickly and sustainably. In fact, the future is made here.
The research group is focused on the design and synthesis of biologically active compounds against infectious and neurodegenerative diseases. Currently, the group focuses on designing and synthesizing new peptidomimetics to fight antibiotic-resistant bacteria including Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant enterococcus (VRE). The researchers have also developed substances that selectively inhibit the pathogenic cascade of Chlamydia trachomatis as well as substances that attenuates Listeria monocytogenes virulence. In another project, we have also developed compounds that make the tuberculosis bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis sensitive to immune responses and certain antibiotics again. In collaboration with research groups in Europe and the United States, the effects of these compounds are being studied in in vitro and in vivo models and studies to understand the exact mechanisms of action are ongoing. The projects are interdisciplinary with collaborations across different fields of research..
The postdoctoral project includes designing, synthesizing and characterizing new compounds and producing them with sufficient purity to be tested in biological systems. The postdoctor will have the opportunity to plan and develop routes to synthesize small organic molecules for chemical biology. In addition, the aim is to publish the research results and the applicant will participate in the writing of these publications. As a postdoc, you must contribute with your knowledge to the research group, summarize the research and present your progress at group meetings.
The employment is full-time for a period of two years, starting at a date decided in agreement betweenthe two parties.
Qualifications
To be appointed under the postdoctoral agreement, the postdoctoral fellow is required to have completed a doctoral degree or a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a doctoral degree. This qualification requirements must be fulfilled no later than at the time of the appointment decision.
To be appointed under the postdoctoral agreement, priority should be given to candidates who completed their doctoral degree, according to what is stipulated in the paragraph above, no later than three years prior. If there are special reasons, candidates who completed their doctoral degree prior to that may also be eligible. Special reasons include absence due to illness, parental leave, appointments of trust in trade union organisations, military service, or similar circumstances, as well as clinical practice or other forms of appointment/assignment relevant to the subject area. Postdoctoral fellows who are to teach or supervise must have taken relevant courses in teaching and learning in higher education.
Additional requirements are:
Doctoral degree or a foreign degree that is deemed equivalent in chemistry with focus on organic chemistry or medicinal chemistry.
Good knowledge of synthetic organic chemistry (method development, total synthesis and/or medicinal chemistry)
Documented good ability to conduct research and present it in writing scientific publications in expert-reviewed journals.
Be able to independently develop multistage syntheses and solve challenging synthetic problems in order to efficiently design, produce and characterize new molecules.
A desire to conduct research in a multidisciplinary project and in an environment that promotes collaboration between people with different skills.
Excellent oral and written knowledge of English are required.
Application
The application must contain the following documents:
A cover letter that describes qualifications, research interests, and motivation for how your qualifications and research interests match what is requested (maximum 2 pages)
A curriculum vitae, including a publication list
Copy of doctoral degree certificate
Copies of other relevant degree certificates and grades
A copy of PhD thesis and maximum 5 relevant publications
Name and contact information of at least two reference persons
Other relevant documents
The application must be written in English (preferably) or Swedish. The application is made through our electronic recruitment system. Documents sent electronically must be in Word or PDF format. Log in to the system and apply via the button at the end of this page. The closing date is November 13 2024. The candidate’s physical workplace will be in Umeå.
For further information, please contact Professor Fredrik Almqvist, tfn: 090-786 69 25 or e-mail: fredrik.almqvist@umu.se
Umeå University wants to offer an equal environment where open dialogue between people with different backgrounds and perspectives lay the foundation for learning, creativity and development. We welcome people with different backgrounds and experiences to apply for the current employment.
We kindly decline offers of recruitment and advertising help.
