Researcher in Structure-Based Drug Design

Do you want to use molecular models to study how small molecules and peptides bind to receptors and enzymes, supported by competent and friendly colleagues in an international environment? Do you want an employer that invests in sustainable employee engagement and offers secure, favorable working conditions? Welcome to apply for a position as a researcher at Uppsala University.

The Department of Cell and Molecular Biology is divided into seven research programs, each focusing on different areas within cell and molecular biology: computational biology and bioinformatics, microbiology and immunology, molecular biology, molecular biophysics, molecular evolution, molecular systems biology, and structural biology. The scientific foundation of what we do lies in biology, but our research overlaps with other fields such as medicine, computer science, mathematics, chemistry, engineering, and physics. The department has over 200 employees with around 60 doctoral students. Please read more about the activities at https://icm.uu.se (https://icm.uu.se).

The position will be located in Jens Carlsson's research group in the Computational Biology and Bioinformatics program. Jens Carlsson's research focuses on computer modeling of proteins, particularly the group of G-protein-coupled receptors. Jens Carlsson's group uses modeling to understand how receptors function at the molecular level and develops methods to identify drug candidates, often in collaboration with experimental research groups. It is an international research team that is also part of the Science for Life Laboratory (http://www.scilifelab.se/ (http://www.scilifelab.se/)). More information about the group's research can be found on its website (http://www.carlssonlab.org (http://www.carlssonlab.org)).

Job Responsibilities

The research is focused on using molecular models to study how small molecules and peptides bind to receptors and enzymes. The goal of the project is to develop new strategies for drug development. The project will be carried out in close collaboration with experimental research groups.

Qualifications

A PhD in computational chemistry or a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a PhD in the same field, as well as at least two years of postdoctoral research experience. Excellent knowledge in computational chemistry, with experience in virtual screening, molecular docking, 3D pharmacophore modeling, fragment-based drug development, and design of chemical libraries. Good written and oral skills in English are required as the work is conducted in an international environment. We place great emphasis on personal qualities such as good collaboration skills, motivation, and independence.

Desirable/meritorious

Previous experience in modeling peptide-activated G-protein-coupled receptors and enzymes involved in viral infections or DNA repair is meritorious.

About the Employment

The employment is temporary, up to 6 months. The extent is 100%. Start date 2025-04-01 or by agreement. Place of employment: Uppsala

For inquiries about the position, please contact: Jens Carlsson, jens.carlsson@icm.uu.se (mailto:jens.carlsson@icm.uu.se), Tel: 072 227 7976.

Welcome with your application by March 31, 2025, UFV-PA 2025/772.

Uppsala University is a broad research university with a strong international position. The ultimate goal is to conduct education and research of the highest quality and relevance to make a difference in society. Our most important asset is all 7,600 employees and 53,000 students who, with curiosity and commitment, make Uppsala University one of the country's most exciting workplaces.

Read more about our benefits and what it's like to work at Uppsala University https://uu.se/om-uu/jobba-hos-oss/ (https://uu.se/om-uu/jobba-hos-oss/).

The employment may be subject to security clearance. A prerequisite for employment in the case of security clearance is that the applicant is approved.

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Applications are received in Uppsala University's recruitment system.