Postdoctoral researcher in Medicinal Chemistry

The University of Gothenburg tackles society's challenges with diverse knowledge. 58 000 students and 6800 employees make the university a large and inspiring place to work and study. Strong research and attractive study programmes attract researchers and students from around the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, the University 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 focuses on a deep understanding of chemical and biological processes in cells and in the environment. We are responsible for postgraduate education in the subject area Natural Sciences with a focus on chemistry, biophysics, biology and educational science. In addition, the department hosts educational programs in molecular biology, genomics and systems biology, chemistry, organic chemistry and pharmaceutical chemistry, as well as prescription education. The department is an international environment with interdisciplinary collaborations in both research and education and contributes strongly to the University of Gothenburg's top ranking in life science. We are located in central premises at Natrium, Medicinareberget, Gothenburg.

KlahnLab at the Division of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, University of Gothenburg, invites applications for a postdoctoral position in a three-year project for the development of clinical candidates of macrocyclic peptides as antituberculotic lead compounds.

The project aims to develop macrocyclic peptide derivatives retaining potent activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis while reducing inhibition of a human off-target.

Research will be conducted in an international environment in collaboration with Research Center Borstel, Germany, and specialized external partners.

Duties

The postdoctoral researcher will plan and carry out the synthesis of macrocyclic peptide derivatives derived from a natural product, with particular emphasis on solid-phase peptide synthesis, preparation of building blocks, purification and analytical characterization (including HPLC-MS and NMR).

The work includes participation in compound design and optimization guided by structure-activity relationships (SAR) and results from biological and pharmacokinetic profiling.

The researcher will collaborate with project partners, document and analyze research results, contribute to scientific publications and presentations, and help plan successive synthesis cycles. Participation in molecular modelling may be undertaken in collaboration with other project members.

Qualifications

To be eligible for appointment as a postdoctoral researcher, applicants must have obtained a doctoral degree or a foreign qualification deemed equivalent. This requirement must be fulfilled by the time the appointment decision is made. Preference should be given to applicants who obtained their doctoral degree no more than three years before the application deadline; exceptions may be made for special reasons.

Additional requirements:

• PhD in organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry or a closely related relevant field.
• Master degree in organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry or a closely related relevant field.
• Documented extensive hands-on experience in advanced organic synthesis and solid-phase peptide synthesis.
• Extensive experience in purification and structural characterization of synthesized compounds, e.g. chromatography, HPLC-MS and NMR.
• Excellent oral and written proficiency in English.
• Ability to plan and carry out experimental research independently and collaborate in interdisciplinary projects.

Meritorious qualifications:

• Experience in synthesis and modification of cyclic peptides or natural-product-derived drug candidates.
• Experience in medicinal chemistry, SAR-driven optimization and design-make-test-analyze workflows.
• Experience in molecular docking or other structure-guided molecular modelling.
• Knowledge of pharmacokinetics, DMPK and antibacterial drug discovery.
• Demonstrated scientific publication record and international collaboration.

Employment

The position is fixed-term for 3 years, full-time (100%), at the Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, Natrium, Medicinareberget, Gothenburg. Planned start: January 2027.

Contact information for the post

If you have any questions about the position, please contact Philipp Klahn, philipp.klahn@gu.se

Unions

Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg can be found here: https://www.gu.se/en/work-at-the-university-of-gothenburg/how-to-apply-for-a-position#collective-agreement-and-union-representatives

Application

To apply for a position at the University of Gothenburg, you have to create an account in our recruitment system. Submit your application via the University of Gothenburg's recruitment portal by clicking the "Apply" button. It is your responsibility to ensure that the application is complete as per the vacancy notice, and that the University receives it by the final application deadline.

The application must be written in English and include:

• Résumé/CV, including a list of publications,
• A general description of past research and future research interests (no more than three pages),
• Contact information of at least two references (email and phone number),
• Copy of the doctoral degree certificate, and other certificates/grades that you wish to be considered. The qualifications claimed must be documented, certified and translated into English.

All attachments must be labelled in a way that clearly shows their content.

Applications must be received by: 2026-12-02

The University works actively to achieve a working environment with equal conditions, and values the qualities that diversity brings to its operations.

Salaries are set individually at the University.

In accordance with the National Archives of Sweden's regulations, the University must archive application documents for two years after the appointment is filled. If you request that your documents are returned, they will be returned to you once the two years have passed. Otherwise, they will be destroyed.

In connection to this recruitment, we have already decided which recruitment channels we should use. We therefore decline further contact with vendors, recruitment and staffing companies.