Postdoctor in molecular tools for oligonucleotide-protein interactions
Ref PAR 2022/1551
The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. 56 000 students and 6 600 employees make the university a large and inspiring place to work and study. Strong research and attractive study programmes attract scientists and students from around the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, the University contributes to a better future.
At the Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, at the Sahlgrenska Academy, we conduct research and education covering a wide range of knowledge areas. The institute comprises five different departments: Clinical neuroscience, Health and rehabilitation, Pharmacology, Physiology as well as Psychiatry and neurochemistry.
The Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, invites applications for a postdoctoral position at the Department of Pharmacology.
The announced position aims to develop molecular tools to investigate interactions between therapeutic oligonucleotides and intracellular proteins and other biomolecules. The position is in Prof. Pär Matsson’s research group at the Department of Pharmacology (https://www.gu.se/en/research/cellular-and-molecular-pharmacokinetics) and is a close collaboration with Prof. Morten Grøtli (Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology; https://www.grotlilab.net).
The project will be jointly supervised by both PIs, and the candidate will spend time in both labs. Close ties to the OligoNova Hub at the University of Gothenburg (https://www.oligonova.org, part of SciLifeLab’s Drug Discovery and Development platform) provide access to a dynamic research environment in the exciting new field of therapeutic oligonucleotide design. The research leaders have extensive expertise in cellular pharmacology and drug disposition, organic synthesis, medicinal and oligonucleotide chemistry, and development of chemical biology tools. The postdoctoral position thus positions the candidate well for developing their individual research program and for a distinguished career in academia or industry.
Subject area
Molecular tools for elucidating the interactions of therapeutic oligonucleotides with cellular proteins.
Subject area description
Therapeutic oligonucleotides are chemically modified RNA- or DNA-based drugs that elicit their effect through complementary binding to target nucleotide sequences in the diseased cell. Oligonucleotide-based drugs have the potential to transform treatment of diseases that currently lack therapies.
The cellular effects of therapeutic oligonucleotides are strongly linked to their interactions with cellular proteins, which are suggested as drivers for the cellular uptake, intracellular trafficking, and on/off-target effects of the therapeutic molecule. However, these interaction patterns and the underlying molecular mechanisms are poorly understood.
The project therefore aims to develop molecular tools to map and mechanistically define how various chemically modified therapeutic oligonucleotides bind to cellular proteins and other biomolecules, and how these interaction patterns affect the effectiveness and safety of the drugs.
Job assignments
The candidate will develop and apply chemical biology tool molecules to study the interactions of therapeutic oligonucleotides with cellular proteins and other biomolecules. The probe substances developed will be studied in disease-relevant cell models using imaging techniques and mass spectrometric proteomics analyses.
Eligibility
The eligibility criteria for employing teaching staff are set out in Chapter 4 of the Higher Education Ordinance and in the Appointment Procedure for Teaching Posts at the University of Gothenburg.
To be eligible for appointment as a postdoc, the applicant is required to have a doctoral degree, a doctoral degree in art or a foreign degree that is deemed to be equivalent to a doctoral degree. This eligibility requirement must be met before the employment decision is made. In the first instance, those who have completed their degree no more than three years prior to the end of the application period shall be considered. Those who have completed their degree more than three years prior to the end of the application period may also be considered in the first instance if special grounds exist. Special grounds relate to leave of absence due to illness, parental leave, commissions of trust within union organisations, service within the defence services or other similar circumstances, as well as clinical service or service/assignment relevant to the subject area.
To qualify as a postdoctoral researcher for this position, the applicant should hold a PhD in organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry or equivalent.
Assessment
We are looking for a highly motivated individual with significant experience and in-depth knowledge in synthetic organic chemistry, demonstrated through a strong publication record in the relevant field, as well as through PhD training in organic/medicinal chemistry or equivalent.
Previous experience in drug design, nucleotide chemistry, and/or chemical biology is highly advantageous. Applicants must have excellent general research skills, writing skills, and the ability to work both independently and within a team. Fluency in spoken and written English is essential.
Experience in experimental determination of intracellular molecular interactions (through imaging/microscopy, proteomics/CETSA, spectrophotometry, SPR or similar techniques) is advantageous. Great emphasis will be placed on personal suitability.
Application procedure
The application must contain a certificate of doctoral degree, personal letter of motivation, curriculum vitae, list of scientific publications, and contact details for at least 2 personal references.
Employment
The employment is limited (temporary) for 2 years, 100% of full-time, and is placed at the Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology. Starting date: as soon as possible or as agreed.
Contact information
If you have questions regarding the employment please contact Professor Pär Matsson, phone: +46 31 786 49 32, e-mail: par.matsson@gu.se
Manager in charge is Senior Lecturer/Head of Department Michael Winder, phone: +46 31 786 34 77, e-mail: michael.winder@pharm.gu.se
Application documents are not to be submitted through the contact persons.
Unions
Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg can be found here: https://www.gu.se/en/work-at-the-university-of-gothenburg/how-to-apply
Application
Submit your application via the University of Gothenburg’s recruitment portal by clicking the “Apply” button. It is your responsibility to ensure that the application is complete as per the vacancy notice, and that the University receives it by the final application deadline.
Please enclose PhD certificate with the application.
Applications must be received by: 2023-01-09