Postdoctoral Researcher in organic chemistry

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is repeatedly ranked as one of the world's leading academic institutions. It is home to approximately 46,000 students and 8,500 employees in Lund, Helsingborg, and Malmö. We are united in our endeavor to understand, explain, and improve our world and human conditions. Lund University welcomes applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Equality, equal opportunities, and diversity are fundamental principles for all parts of our operations. Special subject description The subject of the employment is organic chemistry at the interface with chemical biology. The research concerns the development of a modular chemical platform for targeted protein degradation in bacteria (BacPROTACs) as a new strategy against antibiotic resistance. Bifunctional molecules are designed and synthesized to recruit the bacterium's own proteolytic machinery, such as the ClpC:ClpP system, and thereby selectively degrade essential proteins in multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus instead of inhibiting them. The work encompasses the entire chain from molecular design and multi-step synthesis of degrader molecules – composed of targeting ligands, variable linkers, and protease-recruiting motifs – to biochemical and microbiological evaluation of these molecules. The person employed is therefore expected to work actively on both sides of this interface, and in particular participate in the development, validation, and application of analytical methods (assays) for protein degradation and antibacterial activity. The project is carried out in close collaboration with an infection biology research group at Lund University, which contributes established infection-relevant bacterial models and omics workflows. Job duties The job duties as a postdoctoral researcher primarily consist of conducting research. Within the framework of the employment, the opportunity will be provided for three weeks of higher education pedagogical training. The job duties also include: Design and multi-step synthesis of bifunctional degrader molecules (BacPROTACs), including ligands, linkers, and protease-recruiting elements. Development, validation, and routine application of biochemical analytical methods for target interaction and protein degradation, including work with recombinant bacterial proteins. Evaluation of the antibacterial activity of substances against S. aureus, in collaboration with the partner laboratory. Extensive characterization and purity determination of substances using NMR, LC-MS, HRMS, IR, and chromatographic methods. Interpretation and documentation of structure–activity and structure–degradation relationships as a basis for the next design cycle. Supervision of master's students and doctoral students. Collaboration with industry and society. Participation in group and project meetings as well as seminars. Administration related to the job duties above.

Eligibility To be eligible for employment as a postdoctoral researcher, one must have completed a doctoral degree, or a foreign degree assessed to correspond to a doctoral degree, within the subject area of the employment and obtained no more than three years before the date of the employment decision. If there are special reasons, the doctoral degree may have been obtained earlier. Other requirements: Very good knowledge of English, both oral and written. Documented experience in multi-step synthesis within organic chemistry, including purification and structural characterization of small molecules. Documented experience of experimental work at the interface between chemistry and biology, such as biochemical, enzymatic, cell-based, or microbiological analytical methods. Ability to work independently as well as in a structured and reliable manner, and to document and report experimental work correctly.

Assessment criteria This is a merit-based position primarily focused on research. The employment is intended as an initial career step, and the assessment of applicants will primarily be based on their scientific merits and potential as researchers. Special emphasis will be placed on scientific ability within the subject area. When hiring a postdoctoral researcher, the following shall constitute the basis for assessment: Good ability to develop and conduct high-quality research. Pedagogical ability.

Other merits: The ability to combine synthetic organic chemistry with chemical biology within the same project is highly meritorious and constitutes the central competence sought for the position. Experience in method development of analytical methods (assay development), including establishing, troubleshooting, and validating new biochemical or cell-based assays, is highly meritorious. Experience with bifunctional molecules such as PROTACs, molecular glues, or other targeted protein degraders is highly meritorious. Experience in expression, purification, and handling of recombinant proteins is meritorious. Experience in microbiology and antibacterial susceptibility testing, such as MIC determination, time-kill analyses, or biofilm analyses, is meritorious. Experience in proteomics, chemoproteomics, or transcriptomics is meritorious. Experience in medicinal chemistry, including substance design and work with structure–activity relationships, is meritorious. Experience in peptide or peptidomimetic chemistry is meritorious. Experience in photoredox catalysis or radical chemistry is meritorious. Experience from the pharmaceutical industry or contract research is meritorious. Documented ability to publish research results in international peer-reviewed journals.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive, and independence, as well as how the applicant, through their experience and competence, is assessed to complement and strengthen ongoing research within the department and contribute to its future development.