Postdoctoral Fellow (Synthetic Chemistry)

• Chemistry and Physics
• College of Sciences
• Palmerston North

CS_CP_473_04/23 
Chemistry and Physics
College of Sciences
Term length: fixed-term
Hours of work: full-time

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Position Overview

Applications are invited from recent PhD graduates in organic chemistry / chemical biology for a fulltime fixed-term (7-months) post-doctoral position in the School of Natural Sciences, Manawatū campus, Massey University. The project will focus on the design, synthesis, and evaluation of novel DNA structures as inhibitors of APOBEC3A and APOBEC3B, enzymes that promote mutagenesis in several cancers, contributing to drug resistance, rapid disease development and poor survival prognosis. The project, which is funded by KiwiNet and Massey Ventures Ltd, is part of a collaboration between Assoc. Prof. Vyacheslav V. Filichev ([email protected], DNA chemistry), Dr Elena Harjes ([email protected], NMR analysis of DNA-protein interactions) and Em. Prof. Geoffrey B. Jameson ([email protected], structural biology and protein biochemistry). 

 The project is ideal for a person with a strong background and interest in bioorganic chemistry and who wishes to exploit chemistry to advance our understanding of the molecular basis of APOBEC3A and APOBEC3B-inhibitor/substrate interactions.

The School of Natural Sciences, Manawatū Campus, has a good range of modern instruments and facilities available for research and teaching, including DNA synthesiser, 700-MHz NMR spectrometer with dual-channel cryoprobe, X-ray diffraction facilities, CD spectrometer, mass spectrometry, nanoDSC, ITC as well as access to the Australian Synchrotron and online access to all major journals and databases.

Palmerston North is a small, lively student-orientated city, two hours north of the capital city, Wellington. The cost of living is relatively low and affordable housing is readily available. The city lies on the Manawatu River within thirty minutes of the coast and in close proximity to a wide variety of outdoor activities and attractions. 

Experience: A strong background in synthetic organic chemistry is essential, and experience in the synthesis of sugars, nucleosides and/or modified DNA would be highly desirable. 

Attributes and Skills: Require expertise in a range of areas including synthetic chemistry and analysis as well as a variety of important analytic skills (e.g. NMR, HPLC, GC and mass spectrometry). 

Start Date: 22 May 2023, or soon after.

Enquiries should be directed to the project leader Assoc. Professor Vyacheslav V. Filichev, Tel: +64 (6) 951 7659.  Email: [email protected]. Information about the College of Sciences and the School of Natural Sciences can be found at www.massey.ac.nz/sfs

To apply for this position, upload the following documents at the official Massey University job website:

https://www.massey.ac.nz/massey/about-massey/careers/careers_home.cfm

 1.    A brief statement of research interests and experience, focusing on fit to the position.

2.    A curriculum vitae, including qualifications and scientific publications.

3.    The names and contact details of three referees willing to provide a confidential letter of recommendation upon request.

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