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University of Gothenburg meets society's challenges with versatile knowledge. 58,000 students and 6,800 employees make the university a large and inspiring workplace. Strong research and attractive education attract researchers and students from all over the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, the University of Gothenburg contributes to a better future.

The Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology conducts high-quality research and education in chemical sciences and molecular life sciences. Our research and education focus on a deep understanding of chemical and biological processes in cells and in the environment. We are responsible for doctoral education within the subject area of Natural Science with a focus on chemistry, biophysics, biology, and educational science. In addition, the department hosts educational programs in molecular biology, bioinformatics, chemistry, organic chemistry, and medicinal chemistry, as well as the pharmacy program. The department is an international environment with interdisciplinary collaborations in both research and education, and contributes significantly to the University of Gothenburg's top ranking in Life Science. The department's operations are conducted at Natrium, Medicinareberget in Gothenburg.

Doctoral Position in Natural Science, focus on Chemistry

Cancer relapse driven by chemotherapy resistance and metastasis constitutes one of the biggest challenges in modern oncology. This project aims to promote the development of safer cancer treatments that can overcome drug resistance by developing new targeted prodrugs for the treatment of solid tumors. The research focuses on bioresponsive systems for drug release, which enable selective activation in the tumor microenvironment and simultaneously provide both resistance-breaking and antimigratory effects.

The successful candidate will join Philipp Klahn's research group at the Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology.

The project involves the rational design of targeted prodrugs supported by computational modeling, followed by their synthesis using semisynthetic and total synthetic methods. The compounds will be optimized using medicinal chemistry strategies and characterized in detail using modern analytical techniques. Their molecular mechanisms of action will be investigated through biochemical analyses, and their therapeutic potential will be evaluated in cellular and in vivo cancer models in collaboration with national and international research partners.

University-wide information about what it means to be a doctoral student at the University of Gothenburg can be found on the university's doctoral pages.

https://www.gu.se/utbildning-till-att-bli-forskare (https://www.gu.se/utbildning-till-att-bli-forskare)

Tasks as a Doctoral Student

The successful candidate will conduct independent research within the framework of the project while working in close collaboration with the research group and the project's partners. The tasks include the design, synthesis, and optimization of targeted prodrugs using medicinal chemistry and synthetic chemistry methods, as well as the characterization of these compounds using modern analytical techniques. The work also includes biochemical and cellular experiments to investigate the molecular mechanisms of action of the compounds, as well as contributing to the biological evaluation of the substances in collaboration with national and international research partners.

Doctoral education also includes the analysis and interpretation of research data, presentation of research results at group meetings as well as national and international conferences, and publication of results in peer-reviewed scientific journals. The successful candidate is expected to actively participate in the research environment at the Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology and to complete the doctoral education by taking the mandatory courses and fulfilling the degree requirements in accordance with the university's current regulations.

Doctoral education comprises four years of full-time study and leads to a doctoral degree.

The work during the doctoral period should result in a written and defended doctoral thesis that complies with the rules for a thesis at the University of Gothenburg.

As part of your doctoral appointment, you may have departmental teaching duties to a maximum of 20 percent of full-time, distributed over the entire period of study, which in that case generates a corresponding extension of the study period. Departmental teaching usually includes teaching at undergraduate and advanced levels, but may also include research and administration.

In addition to the scientific work, a doctoral student should participate in courses, staff activities, and group activities such as group meetings and literature seminars.

To view the full advertisement and apply, please visit the University of Gothenburg's website for vacant positions.

Application deadline: 2026-07-22

The University actively works for a working environment with equal conditions and values the qualities that diversity brings to the operations. The University applies individual salary setting. According to the National Archives' regulations, the University is required to keep application documents for two years after the appointment decision. If you as an applicant specifically request the return of your documents, they will be returned when the two years have passed; otherwise, they will be destroyed. To staffing and recruitment agencies and to you who are sellers: The University of Gothenburg uses a procured advertising agency in connection with the recruitment of staff. We kindly but firmly decline direct contact from staffing and recruitment agencies as well as sellers of job advertisements.