Postdoctoral researcher Medicinal chemistry and tumor-associated protease research

Department: Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Regime Full-time

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The Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences at the University of Antwerp is seeking to fill a full-time (100%) vacancies in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences for a postdoctoral researcher in the area of Medicinal chemistry and tumor-associated protease research.

Job description

• You will be working in the research group Medicinal Chemistry  (UAMC) on lead optimization of inhibitors and activity-based probes for specific tumor-associated proteases.
• Background research topic: UAMC has longstanding expertise with developing small molecule ligands (inhibitors, activity-based probes) for proteases that are involved in human disease. In this project you will develop ligands for proline selective proteases that have key roles in tumor biology. Developed ligands will be evaluated for target affinity and selectivity in collaboration with the Medical Biochemistry group at University of Antwerp. Promising molecules will be transformed in Positron-Emission Tomography (PET)-probes in collaboration with the Radiopharmacy and Nuclear Medicine groups in the University hospital. The best PET probes will be evaluated in animal models of cancer.
• Research topic for this postdoc position: 1) synthetic lead optimization of inhibitors and activity-based Probes for tumor-associated proteases and 2) synthetic optimization of ‘cold’ labeling procedures for PET-probes.
• Next to experimental research, you will write project reports for your supervisor on a regular basis, write scientific papers and support grant writing.  

Profile and requirements

• You hold a doctoral degree (PhD) in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences or Engineering Sciences with experience in synthetic organic chemistry and/or medicinal chemistry
• Expertise in lead optimization process is an asset
• you did not reside, study or work in Belgium for more than 24 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the recruitment date (eligibility rule for postdoc with a subsidy)
• Your academic qualities comply with the requirements stipulated in the university’s policy .
• You co-supervise PhD students
• You are quality-oriented, conscientious, creative and cooperative.
• You have strong communication skills.
• You are fluent in academic English (speaking and writing)

We offer

• An appointment as a postdoctoral researcher for a period of one year, eventually renewable for one more year.
• The date of appointment: October 1, 2022, or soon after that date.
• Your gross monthly salary is calculated according to the pay scale for a principal research fellow (academic assistant staff, AAP).
• You will work in a dynamic and stimulating working environment.
• Click here to find out more about working at the University of Antwerp and the related benefits.

How to apply?

• You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform up to and including August 15th, 2022 (by midnight Brussels time). Click on the 'Apply' button, complete the online application form and be sure to include the following attachments: a motivation letter and your CV.
• A pre-selection will be made from amongst the submitted applications.
• The remainder of the selection procedure is specific to the position and will be determined by the selection panel. Interviews will take place beginning of September (exact date will be communicated).
• If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questions or send an email to [email protected] . For questions about the profile and the description of duties, please contact Prof. Pieter Van der Veken ([email protected] )

The University of Antwerp received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award  for its HR policy. We are a sustainable, family-friendly organisation which invests in its employees’ growth. We encourage diversity  and attach great importance to an inclusive working environment and equal opportunities, regardless of gender identity, disability, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse characteristics to apply.