PhD position Chemical biology

 

PhD position Chemical biology (1,0 fte)

Organization

 

Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy.

Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences.

Founded in 1614, the University of Groningen enjoys an international reputation as a dynamic and innovative institution of higher education offering high-quality teaching and research. Flexible study programs and academic career opportunities in a wide variety of disciplines encourage the 27,000 students and researchers alike to develop their own individual talents. As one of the best research universities in Europe, the University of Groningen has joined forces with other top universities and networks worldwide to become a truly global centre of knowledge.

 

 

Job/ Research Description

 

The Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy (GRIP) of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences has two positions for PhD candidates in chemical biology in the department pharmaceutical gene modulation. The project is funded by a VIDI grant from NWO.

The genetic and molecular understanding of diseases has increased dramatically by unraveling the complete human genome. The next challenge is to apply this knowledge for the development of new methods for pharmacotherapy. The department pharmaceutical gene modulation aims at applying genetic and molecular knowledge to develop new therapeutics against cancer or chronic inflammation using gene therapy or small drug-like molecules.

 

An important line of research in pharmaceutical gene modulation is devoted to drug discovery related to enzymes that regulate gene transcription. The objective is to develop novel chemistry-based methods for inhibition and detection of enzyme activity. Thus, we aim to provide the basic knowledge for drug discovery projects for inflammatory diseases.

The project involves the organic synthesis and biochemical evaluation of novel probes to detect enzyme activity in inflammation. In addition, the newly developed probes will be employed for the development of small molecule inhibitors, which will be exploited further in drug discovery programs.

The starting date will be between September and December 2012.

Requirements

The successful PhD candidate will have the following qualifications:

• A masters' degree in Pharmacy, Chemistry, Biochemistry or a related area.

• Willing to learn basic techniques in organic chemistry as well as cell biology.

• Good knowledge of written and spoken English.

• Enthusiasm for pharmaceutical research in an interdisciplinary setting.

Conditions of employment

The University of Groningen offers a minimum salary of € 2,042 gross a month in the first year to a maximum of € 2,612 a month in the final year, based on a full-time position (1.0 fte). The position is limited to a period of 4 years. The first year constitutes a probationary period, with an evaluation of the candidate’s performance after the first year. The objective of this evaluation is to establish whether the candidate will be able to finish a PhD thesis in the remaining three years. If the performance evaluation is positive, the candidate’s contract will be extended by another 3 years, for a total of 4 years.

 

How to apply

Applications for the position should include:

• curriculum vitae (name, address, degree(s) with transcript(s) of grades, research experience, educational and employment history, etc.)

• motivation letter

• name and (e-mail) address of two professional references

Deadline for applications is 30 July 2012.

Additional information

For additional information, please contact:
Dr. F.J. Dekker, (+31-50-3638030), f.j.dekker@rug.nl

In your application, please always include the job opening ID xxxxx

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