Join a multidisciplinary project at the interface of medicinal chemistry, computational drug discovery and chemical biology.

Your job
As a postdoc, you will play a key role in the discovery and development of novel Piezo1 inhibitors for sickle cell disease, combining virtual screening, AI-techniques and organic synthesis. Initial inhibitors have already been identified, providing a starting point for further optimization and broader screening. You will work closely with researchers at UMC Utrecht where compounds will be assayed. The project combines fundamental research with translational potential and offers opportunities to interact with experts in the field through periodic user committee meetings.

You will work in the Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery division of the Utrecht Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences. The division houses around 60 researchers with expertise in preparative chemistry linked to disease research, carbohydrates and glycoscience, RNA in disease, immunology and drug discovery.

You will have access to modern synthetic labs, state of the art analytical equipment, biolabs and large scale computation facilities. Regular in person meetings with our partner group at the UMC will support the close collaboration on this project. Our goal is to advance successful compounds in subsequent translational activities.

As a postdoctoral researcher, you will have the opportunity to develop your expertise across synthetic and computational medicinal chemistry and apply modern approaches to compound discovery and optimization.

Requirements

We are looking for an enthusiastic scientist with:

a completed PhD in Medicinal Chemistry;
experience in organic synthesis of drug-like compounds;
experience in molecular modelling/docking experience in the creation and development of bioactive compounds;
proficiency in written and spoken English.

Contract terms

a position for one year, with the possibility of an extension for one year upon a positive evaluation;
a gross monthly salary, depending on qualifications and experience, between €3.706 and €5.760 (salary scale 10 under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU)). The salary is based on a 38-hour working week;
8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.

In addition to the terms of employment set out in our collective labour agreement, we offer attractive additional benefits, including opportunities for personal and professional growth , flexible leave arrangements, and extra vacation days. Through the UU Terms of Employment Options Model, you can tailor your employment package to your needs. In this way, we encourage you to grow in what you do, both in your work and in your development. Read more about our terms of employment .

Postdoc Position in Medicinal Chemistry

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