PhD position in Organic Synthesis

Job description

We are looking for a PhD candidate in the group of Prof. A. J. Minnaard, who leads a natural product synthesis group at the Stratingh Institute for Chemistry (see: minnaardgroup.nl). Within the framework of his Ammodo Science Award, the position focusses on the total synthesis of membrane components of M. tuberculosis.

In an ongoing collaboration with tuberculosis-experts and molecular immunologists we identify and synthesize new components of the bacterial pathogen M. tuberculosis. These compounds have shown to be important for pathogenesis and virulence and are highly interesting from a molecular structure point of view. In parallel, we study how to translate fundamental findings in organic synthesis, such as in photochemistry and electrochemistry, into the synthesis of natural products. This is essential both for the identification of these compounds and also for their production as adjuvants, diagnostics and vaccines. You will design and execute synthesis routes to new molecules from M. tuberculosis, discovered within the “Lipidomics Team”. These compounds will be used in immunology studies by our collaborators. You will be trained in organic synthesis and catalysis, including NMR spectroscopy and chromatography, in photoredox chemistry and in electrosynthesis. Additionally, you will be involved in teaching, by supervising tutorials and bachelor/master theses.

Organisation

The University of Groningen is a research university within the top 100 on several influential ranking lists. The Faculty of Science and Engineering offers first-rate education and research in a wide range of science and engineering disciplines.

The mission of the Stratingh Institute for Chemistry is to perform excellent research and teaching in molecular and supramolecular chemistry. Core activities in the chemical sciences such as bioorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, molecular inorganic chemistry and molecular materials chemistry are embedded in the institute. The research programme is focused on synthesis, catalysis, functional materials, bio-organic chemistry/chemical biology and systems chemistry/complex molecular systems.

Qualifications

We are looking for creative, motivated, and determined candidates, who meet the following requirements:

• A Master's degree in Chemistry.
• Experience in organic synthesis.
• Good communication skills in English.

Organisation

Conditions of employment

We offer you in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities:

• A salary of € 2,872 gross per month in the first year, up to a maximum of € 3,670 gross per month in the fourth and final year, based on a full-time position (1.0 FTE).
• A holiday allowance of 8% gross annual income.
• An 8.3% year-end bonus.
• A position for four years; you will get a temporary position of one year with the option of renewal for another three years; prolongation of the contract is contingent on sufficient progress in the first year to indicate that a successful completion of the PhD thesis within the next three years is to be expected.

A university PhD training programme is part of the agreement and the candidate will be enrolled in the Graduate School of Science and Engineering.