Doctoral Researcher (f/m/d) – Structure Elucidation

8 Mar 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

Helmholtz-Zentrum für Infektionsforschung

Research Field

Medical sciences

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

Germany

Application Deadline

31 Mar 2024 – 22:00 (UTC)

Type of Contract

To be defined

Job Status

Other

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

Area of research:

Promotion

Part-Time Suitability:

The position is suitable for part-time employment.

Job description:Area of research:

In our ERC-funded research project (Starting Grant MORPHEUS), we study the function and origin of natural products in the interspecies interaction between marine bacteria and marine eukaryotes. Since natural products with high bioactivities are often produced only in minute abundancies, we use total synthesis to elucidate the structure of novel natural compounds, test their biological activity and use derivatives thereof for structure-activity relationship (SAR) and mode of action (MoA) studies.

In light of our recent studies on a novel microbial natural products of marine origin that exhibits unusual antibiotic activities, we are looking for a highly motivated organic chemist or chemical biologist to join our lab at the interface between chemistry and biology. To enable the determination of the absolute structure of this peculiar marine natural product, we have elaborated on two retrosynthetic approaches to reach the goal of its total synthesis. The prospective PhD candidate will be able to elaborate on the different envisioned modular synthetic routes, optimize synthetic steps and finalize the synthesis of natural product as well as derivatives. The intrinsic bioactivities of the natural product will allow plethora of bioactivity studies in the final phase of the PhD project and this will enable the prospective PhD candidate to gain also expertise in various chemical biology techniques and analytical methods for the in depth study of novel biological active compounds.

The PhD project encompasses several key components and tasks:

Total Synthesis of Natural Products:

• Retrosynthetic analysis of natural products.
• Optimization of synthetic methodologies for precursor synthesis.
• Multi-step synthesis of natural products and their corresponding derivatives for structure elucidation purposes and biological testing (SAR-studies).

Design of Chemical Probes derived from Natural Products:

• Design and synthesis of chemical probes allowing mechanism of action studies using different click chemistries (e.g. SuFEx, cycloaddition, thiol-ene, etc. …).
• If interested, pull-down or proteomics experiments can be performed together with colleagues from biology/biochemistry.

Isolation and Structure Elucidation of Natural Products from Marine Origin:

• Collaborate with colleagues from biology to further purify natural products from microorganisms using various chromatographic techniques (ion exchange, size exclusion, C18 and high pressure liquid chromatography)
• Structure elucidation of related natural products (NMR, MS2, x-ray, chemical derivatization).
• Optional: Fermentation of microorganisms and optimization of the process to increase natural product production.

We offer:

• modern laboratories and state-of-the-art instrumentation
• a dynamic and international research environment
• extensive further training opportunities and the opportunity to enroll in a structured PhD program
• unique network of excellent partners to support your research endeavors
• 30 days vacation (24.12. & 31.12. are considered as completely free days)
• an annual additional payment (Weihnachtsgeld) analogue to § 20 TVöD
• social security included
• flexible working hours

Prerequisite:

Qualifications:

• Master degree or equivalent in (Bio) Organic Chemistry or Chemical Biology
• Strong hands on experience in multi-step synthesis, purification (HPLC) as well as characterization (NMR, MS, IR, UV, etc.) of organic compounds.
• Good understanding of biochemical methods and the willingness to acquire knowledge regarding chemical biology and ecology to be able to fully integrate into our interdisciplinary team.
• Experience in stereoselective synthesis and the preparation of chemical probes is a plus.
• Ability to pay attention to details, pursue research independently and work in a goal-oriented manner.
• Willingness to work in a plural, collegial, international (co-workers come from 30+ countries) and interdisciplinary environment.
• Excellent English communication skills (written and spoken); very good skills in scientific writing

Disabled persons are given preference in the case of equal professional qualification. The HIPS aims for a corporate culture of appreciation and promotion of equal opportunities between women and men. The position is suitable for part-time work.

Salary:alike TVöD (Bund) E13 (55%)

This research center is part of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centers. With more than 42,000 employees and an annual budget of over € 5 billion, the Helmholtz Association is Germany’s largest scientific organisation.

Requirements
Additional Information

Website for additional job details

https://www.helmholtz-hzi.de/en/career/jobs/open-positions/jobs/view/job/detail…

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Helmholtz-Zentrum für Infektionsforschung

Country

Germany

City

Saarbrücken

Geofield

Where to apply

E-mail

[email protected]

Website

https://www.helmholtz-hzi.de/en/career/jobs/open-positions/jobs/view/job/detail…

Contact

City

Braunschweig

Website

http://www.helmholtz-hzi.de

Street

Inhoffenstraße 7

Postal Code

38124

E-Mail

[email protected]

Phone

+49 531 6181-0

Fax

+49 531 6181-2655

STATUS: EXPIRED