Postdoctoral Researcher in Organic Synthesis and Medicinal Chemistry

Do you want to work with organic synthesis and medicinal chemistry supported by competent and friendly colleagues in an international environment? Do you want an employer that invests in sustainable employment and offers secure, favorable working conditions? Welcome to apply for a postdoctoral position at Uppsala University.

Uppsala University (http://www.ilk.uu.se) is a strong and international research environment. The department has about 85 employees, and here, PhD students, teachers, researchers, and administrators work closely together in a creative and open environment.

You will work in the research group focused on the design and synthesis of molecules in early drug research and the development of new methods for organic synthesis (https://www.uu.se/institution/lakemedelskemi/forskning/vara-forskningsomraden/lakemedelsdesign-och-lakemedelsutveckling). The research group is part of the Department of Medicinal Chemistry and consists of about 15 senior researchers and PhD students, many with international backgrounds. The project is a collaboration with the research group which has strong expertise in chromatography-mass spectrometry (https://www.uu.se/institution/lakemedelskemi/forskning/vara-forskningsomraden/analytisk-farmaceutisk-kemi).

Job Responsibilities

The application of oxidative enzymes in preparative organic synthesis provides methods for efficiently and selectively functionalizing organic molecules. This postdoctoral project will explore immobilized enzymes as a tool for modifying complex molecules at a late stage. Goals include generating presumed drug metabolites for identification and use as synthetic standards and modifying drug hits and natural products to provide analogs for medicinal chemistry.

The main task is to lead and participate in the research project. Your responsibilities may include supervising thesis students, teaching, or equivalent. The position involves documenting laboratory work, planning and evaluating data, and being partially responsible for compiling manuscripts. You are also expected to compile and present at group meetings and seminars.

Qualifications

A PhD in chemistry, biology, biomedicine, pharmacy, or related fields, or a foreign degree assessed to be equivalent to a degree in these subjects. The degree must be completed by the time the employment decision is made. Primarily, candidates who have completed their degree within the last three years will be considered. When calculating the three-year timeframe, the deadline for applications is the starting point. If there are special reasons, such a degree may have been obtained earlier. Special reasons include leave due to illness, parental leave, or trust assignments within trade unions, etc.

High competence in organic synthesis and organic chemical structural analysis is required. The applicant must have excellent communication and collaboration skills and have very good knowledge of English. The applicant is expected to work independently and be able to take initiative.

Desirable/Meritorious

Previous experience in enzyme catalysis and/or complex molecule synthesis is meritorious.

About the Position

The position is temporary for two years according to the central collective agreement. The scope is full-time. Start date as soon as possible or by agreement. Location: Uppsala

For inquiries about the research project, please contact: university lecturer Lindon Moodie, [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

For inquiries about the position, please contact: head professor Mikael Hedeland, [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

In this recruitment, we have replaced the personal letter with questions that you will answer in connection with your application. The answers will be used as part of the selection process. The application should also include a CV, a summary of your previous research experiences (max 2 pages), as well as any educational diplomas and certificates. Please attach recommendation letters or contact information (name, email, phone number) for previous employers or colleagues. Applications can be written in Swedish or English. Applications will be assessed based on the following criteria: fulfillment of eligibility requirements, previous experience, and personal suitability.

Welcome with your application by February 2, 2026, UFV-PA 2025/3997.

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 most exciting workplaces in the country.

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

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

We kindly decline offers of recruitment and advertising assistance.

Applications are received in Uppsala University's recruitment system.

Union representatives: Saco-S - [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]), Seko - [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]), ST (OFR/S) - [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])