Postdoctoral position in synthetic organic chemistry

IOCB Prague is a leading research institution under the umbrella of the Czech Academy of Sciences. Our mission is basic research at the interface of chemical and biological sciences and translation of results from basic research into applications and commercial assets.

POSTDOCTORAL POSITION IN SYNTHETIC ORGANIC CHEMISTRY

GROUP Ullrich Jahn Group Chemistry of Natural Products

The group’s interests focus to a large extent on the total synthesis of natural products and their biological investigation. We are interested on one hand in establishment and confirmation of the structures of natural products, on the other hand innovative approaches to access them in reasonable amounts for biological investigations are pursued. The interest spans from complex indole and bridged diketopiperazine alkaloids via terpenoid and steroid natural products to lipid metabolites, such as autoxidatively formed prostanes or pheromones, which are important for signaling pathways in humans, plants or insects, respectively. The group provides expertise in selected medicinal chemistry topics using bioinspired synthetic approaches. An equally important part is curiosity-driven research, where we are exploring new pathways in transition metal catalysis using unconventional ligand architectures, photochemistry and -catalysis, radical reactions, the chemistry of reactive intermediates, and electron transfer chemistry.

Job description

A postdoctoral position in Senior Research Group Chemistry of Natural Products (headed by Dr. Ullrich Jahn) is available for a highly motivated and creative scientist with expertise in organic chemistry.

The project aims at an interdisciplinary approach to the development of a new class of inhibitors of voltage gated calcium channels (VGCCs) and the study of their properties in relationship to chronic pain. The organic chemistry part is focused on synthesis strategies of small organic molecules with heterocyclic skeletons, which will be studied with respect to ion channel pharmacological activities, and in vivo analgesic properties.

The successful candidate has a strong expertise in organic chemistry, can independently design and perform syntheses of complex molecules, develop synthetic methodology, has experience with all relevant analytical and lab techniques, and is able to analyse and summarize experimental data. The candidate collaborates and participates in group activities, is organized, self-motivated, and enthusiastic to be part of a project linked to drug discovery and can communicate and write proficiently in English.

Requirements

• Ph.D. degree in organic chemistry

We offer

• Working in a young, promising, and progressive scientific team of organic and medicinal chemists, biologists, computational chemists, and biochemists

• Competitive financial remuneration

• Further education and training

• 5 weeks of paid vacation plus 4 days of personal leave

• Health insurance and full benefits package incl. contribution to supplementary pension insurance and contribution to sports / culture/ leisure time

• Meal subsidy

• Financial support for parents with young children

• State-of-the-art instrumentation portfolio

• Location in the stunning city of Prague

Additional information

• STARTING DATE

• April 2024

CONTRACT

• Initial full-time fixed-term contract for one year, with possibility of extension for another 1-2 years

How to apply

Please send a cover letter pointing out your competence and experience with respect to the requirements of this position, CV, PhD degree certificate, publication list and contact information for two referees to Dr. Emanuela Jahn at the following e-mail address: [email protected] by 7 March 2024.

Suitable candidates will be contacted to arrange an interview. Please note that if you are not contacted within 3 weeks, we have given preference to candidates who more closely meet the criteria. Thank you for your understanding.