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Postdoctoral Researcher in Computational Chemistry and Novel Receptor Ligand Design

  • Faculty of Science
  • 13468
  • PhD
  • €3.345 - €5.278
  • 38 hours
  • Closes on
    02-03-2025
Apply

Postdoctoral Researcher in Computational Chemistry and Novel Receptor Ligand Design

  • Faculty of Science
  • 13468
  • PhD
  • €3.345 - €5.278
  • 38 hours
  • Closes on
    02-03-2025
Apply

Working at the UvA

Join our project!

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the most prevalent neurological disorder after Alzheimer’s pathology. Physical symptoms, such as the inability to move, are caused by the progressive degeneration of dopamine neurons located in the substantia-nigra. There is currently no cure for PD nor is there a long-term effective treatment.

In our quest to find novel therapeutic approaches to treat PD we have identified the Gucy2c receptor as a potential target. This receptor is specifically expressed in the substantia nigra. This receptor improves clinical symptoms comparable to levodopa in an animal PD model whereas complementary studies have shown that the Gucy2c receptor also protects dopamine neurons against toxic insults and cell death. Due to its specific expression, therapeutically targeting Gucy2c would have no side-effects, restore dopamine levels and prevent further neurodegeneration. Here we aim to develop a potent and highly specific Gucy2c peptide-ligand. To achieve this, we will combine rational design with a computationally-based active learning workflow.  

Working at the UvA

Join our project!

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the most prevalent neurological disorder after Alzheimer’s pathology. Physical symptoms, such as the inability to move, are caused by the progressive degeneration of dopamine neurons located in the substantia-nigra. There is currently no cure for PD nor is there a long-term effective treatment.

In our quest to find novel therapeutic approaches to treat PD we have identified the Gucy2c receptor as a potential target. This receptor is specifically expressed in the substantia nigra. This receptor improves clinical symptoms comparable to levodopa in an animal PD model whereas complementary studies have shown that the Gucy2c receptor also protects dopamine neurons against toxic insults and cell death. Due to its specific expression, therapeutically targeting Gucy2c would have no side-effects, restore dopamine levels and prevent further neurodegeneration. Here we aim to develop a potent and highly specific Gucy2c peptide-ligand. To achieve this, we will combine rational design with a computationally-based active learning workflow.  

All about this vacancy

What you will do 

You are expected to:

  • work in a multidisciplinary team at the University of Amsterdam and University College London (both expected to be 6 months);
  • to design novel peptide ligands for the Gucy2c receptor using computational chemistry and rational design;
  • identify the most optimal novel ligands by a novel computational active learning;
  • to report and present your work-progress on a regular basis to the research partners and stakeholders within this project;
  • participate actively in the fundamental research of the computational chemistry team;
  • participate actively in the development and application of both physics-based and AI methodologies, individually and in combination,
  • for the selection of novel small molecules or peptides with potential pharmaceutical applications.

What we look for

You have:

  • a PhD degree in physics, chemistry or a related discipline complemented by computational chemistry skills;
  • a strong background in (bio)chemistry; demonstrated experience with molecular dynamics simulations (ensemble methods, enhanced sampling, NAMD code, advanced analysis etc.) or the motivation to learn;
  • proven record of the ability to conduct high quality research, which is evidenced in the authorship of quality publications in an area relevant to the project;
  • good working knowledge in an area of drug development, personalized medicine, artificial intelligence or a relevant field and of using high performance computers;
  • excellent programming skills;
  • excellent communication skills in oral and written English;
  • strong initiative and good time management skills.

Our selection will be based on your scientific track record, your vision on this research project, and your ambition and skills. As this Amsterdam project will partly be conducted in the UK we expect willingness to frequently travel abroad.

What we offer you

We offer a temporary contract for 38  hours a week for the duration of 12 months. The salary, depending on relevant experience before the beginning of the employment contract, will be between €3.345 - €5.278 gross per month, based on a fulltime contract (38 hours a week). This is exclusive 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities is applicable. Are you curious about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits like our excellent opportunities for study and development? Take a look here.

All about this vacancy

What you will do 

You are expected to:

  • work in a multidisciplinary team at the University of Amsterdam and University College London (both expected to be 6 months);
  • to design novel peptide ligands for the Gucy2c receptor using computational chemistry and rational design;
  • identify the most optimal novel ligands by a novel computational active learning;
  • to report and present your work-progress on a regular basis to the research partners and stakeholders within this project;
  • participate actively in the fundamental research of the computational chemistry team;
  • participate actively in the development and application of both physics-based and AI methodologies, individually and in combination,
  • for the selection of novel small molecules or peptides with potential pharmaceutical applications.

What we look for

You have:

  • a PhD degree in physics, chemistry or a related discipline complemented by computational chemistry skills;
  • a strong background in (bio)chemistry; demonstrated experience with molecular dynamics simulations (ensemble methods, enhanced sampling, NAMD code, advanced analysis etc.) or the motivation to learn;
  • proven record of the ability to conduct high quality research, which is evidenced in the authorship of quality publications in an area relevant to the project;
  • good working knowledge in an area of drug development, personalized medicine, artificial intelligence or a relevant field and of using high performance computers;
  • excellent programming skills;
  • excellent communication skills in oral and written English;
  • strong initiative and good time management skills.

Our selection will be based on your scientific track record, your vision on this research project, and your ambition and skills. As this Amsterdam project will partly be conducted in the UK we expect willingness to frequently travel abroad.

What we offer you

We offer a temporary contract for 38  hours a week for the duration of 12 months. The salary, depending on relevant experience before the beginning of the employment contract, will be between €3.345 - €5.278 gross per month, based on a fulltime contract (38 hours a week). This is exclusive 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities is applicable. Are you curious about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits like our excellent opportunities for study and development? Take a look here.

Your place at the UvA

Where you will work

The Faculty of Science has a student body of around 7,000, as well as 1,600 members of staff working in education, research or support services. Researchers and students at the Faculty of Science are fascinated by every aspect of how the world works, be it elementary particles, the birth of the universe or the functioning of the brain.

The Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences (SILS) is located at the vibrant Amsterdam Science Park. SILS is one of eight institutes of the University of Amsterdam's Faculty of Science (FNWI). With around 240 employees, SILS carries out internationally high-quality life science research and provides education within various university programs. Research is also carried out in close cooperation with the medical, biotech, chemical, flavor, food & agricultural, and high-tech industries, and revolves around 4 main themes, Cell & Systems biology, Neurosciences, Microbiology and Green Life Sciences.

The van ‘t Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences (HIMS) is one of eight institutes of the University of Amsterdam (UvA) Faculty of Science. HIMS performs internationally recognized chemistry and molecular research, curiosity driven as well as application driven. This is done in close cooperation with the chemical, flavor & food, medical and high-tech industries. Research is organized into four themes: Analytical Chemistry, Computational Chemistry, Synthesis & Catalysis and Molecular Photonics. The Computational Chemistry Group is one of the research groups within the Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences at the University of Amsterdam. Our research focuses on the development and application of advanced molecular simulation and multiscale modelling methodology to obtain novel and improved understanding of the behaviour of (bio)materials, and of complex (bio)chemical and physical processes that are of technological and scientific importance. 

The Chemistry Department at University College London (UCL) is one of the top-ranked chemistry departments  in the UK and globally. The department covers a wide range of chemistry disciplines, including organic synthesis, chemical biology, computational chemistry, nanotechnology, theoretical and physical chemistry. With over 60 academic staff, UCL Chemistry is renowned for its cutting-edge research, contributing to fields like sustainable chemistry, materials for energy, and chemical physics. The Centre for Computational Science (CCS) at UCL is a leading interdisciplinary hub that focuses on advancing theoretical and computational science across a range of disciplines, including chemistry, physics, materials science, life sciences, and biomedical sciences. Our group leverages state-of-the-art computational techniques, such as high-performance computing (HPC), data-intensive analysis, supercomputing, artificial intelligence and distributed computing environments (including grid and cloud systems) to address complex scientific challenges.

Organisational unit

The University of Amsterdam is ambitious, creative and committed. An inspiration to students since 1632, a vanguard player in international science and a partner in innovation.
The University of Amsterdam is the largest university in the Netherlands, with the broadest range of courses on offer. An intellectual hub with 42,000 students, 6,000 staff and 3,000 PhD students. Connected by a culture of curiosity.

Your place at the UvA

This is where you will be working

Where you will work

The Faculty of Science has a student body of around 7,000, as well as 1,600 members of staff working in education, research or support services. Researchers and students at the Faculty of Science are fascinated by every aspect of how the world works, be it elementary particles, the birth of the universe or the functioning of the brain.

The Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences (SILS) is located at the vibrant Amsterdam Science Park. SILS is one of eight institutes of the University of Amsterdam's Faculty of Science (FNWI). With around 240 employees, SILS carries out internationally high-quality life science research and provides education within various university programs. Research is also carried out in close cooperation with the medical, biotech, chemical, flavor, food & agricultural, and high-tech industries, and revolves around 4 main themes, Cell & Systems biology, Neurosciences, Microbiology and Green Life Sciences.

The van ‘t Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences (HIMS) is one of eight institutes of the University of Amsterdam (UvA) Faculty of Science. HIMS performs internationally recognized chemistry and molecular research, curiosity driven as well as application driven. This is done in close cooperation with the chemical, flavor & food, medical and high-tech industries. Research is organized into four themes: Analytical Chemistry, Computational Chemistry, Synthesis & Catalysis and Molecular Photonics. The Computational Chemistry Group is one of the research groups within the Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences at the University of Amsterdam. Our research focuses on the development and application of advanced molecular simulation and multiscale modelling methodology to obtain novel and improved understanding of the behaviour of (bio)materials, and of complex (bio)chemical and physical processes that are of technological and scientific importance. 

The Chemistry Department at University College London (UCL) is one of the top-ranked chemistry departments  in the UK and globally. The department covers a wide range of chemistry disciplines, including organic synthesis, chemical biology, computational chemistry, nanotechnology, theoretical and physical chemistry. With over 60 academic staff, UCL Chemistry is renowned for its cutting-edge research, contributing to fields like sustainable chemistry, materials for energy, and chemical physics. The Centre for Computational Science (CCS) at UCL is a leading interdisciplinary hub that focuses on advancing theoretical and computational science across a range of disciplines, including chemistry, physics, materials science, life sciences, and biomedical sciences. Our group leverages state-of-the-art computational techniques, such as high-performance computing (HPC), data-intensive analysis, supercomputing, artificial intelligence and distributed computing environments (including grid and cloud systems) to address complex scientific challenges.

Organisational unit

The University of Amsterdam is ambitious, creative and committed. An inspiration to students since 1632, a vanguard player in international science and a partner in innovation.
The University of Amsterdam is the largest university in the Netherlands, with the broadest range of courses on offer. An intellectual hub with 42,000 students, 6,000 staff and 3,000 PhD students. Connected by a culture of curiosity.

Important to know

Your application & contact

Do you recognize yourself in the job profile? Then we look forward to receiving your application by 2 March 2025. You can apply online by using the red button.

Applications in .pdf should include:

  • a motivation letter and CV, including a list of publications,
  • contact details of two academic referees.

Please mention the months (not just years) in your CV when referring to your education and work experience. We will invite potential candidates for interviews in the second half of November 2024. A knowledge security check can be part of the selection procedure (for details: National knowledge security guidelines).

Do you have questions about this vacancy? Or do you want to know more about our organisation?

Please contact:

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

As an employer, the UvA maintains an equal opportunities policy. We value diversity and are fully committed to being a place where everyone feels at home. We nurture inquisitive minds and perseverance and allow room for persistent questioning. With us, curiosity and creativity are the prevailing culture.
Read more

Important to know

Your application & contact

Do you recognize yourself in the job profile? Then we look forward to receiving your application by 2 March 2025. You can apply online by using the red button.

Applications in .pdf should include:

  • a motivation letter and CV, including a list of publications,
  • contact details of two academic referees.

Please mention the months (not just years) in your CV when referring to your education and work experience. We will invite potential candidates for interviews in the second half of November 2024. A knowledge security check can be part of the selection procedure (for details: National knowledge security guidelines).

Do you have questions about this vacancy? Or do you want to know more about our organisation?

Please contact:

As an employer, the UvA maintains an equal opportunities policy. We value diversity and are fully committed to being a place where everyone feels at home. We nurture inquisitive minds and perseverance and allow room for persistent questioning. With us, curiosity and creativity are the prevailing culture.

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