At the Department of Chemical Engineering at Delft University of Technology we are looking for a postdoctoral researcher in synthetic organic chemistry for the development of methods for the selective functionalization of the C-terminus of peptides and proteins. The project will focus on the development of new methods as well as optimization of a recently discovered method, both with the aim of application in single molecule protein sequencing. Methods likely involve photocatalysis and click chemistry, and need to be analyzed for substrate scope and yield. The project will be carried out in a close collaboration with an industrial partner actively working in this field towards practical implementation of the related technologies. Despite having an applied focus, the project is fundamental in nature.

The expected starting date is as soon as possible. The position is for 2 years.

As a postdoctoral researcher you will

*Carry out synthesis of reagents and testing these reagents in C-term modification of peptides

*Characterize products with an array of physical chemical methods (NMR, MS, HPLC, etc)

*Develop, analyze and optimize new synthetic methods

*Apply methods developed on peptides to full scale proteins

*Provide daily guidance to BSc and/or MSc students working with you on this project

*Keep up to date with the literature related to the research project

*Actively participate in the scientific discussion within the group

We are looking for an ambitious candidate with a PhD in organic chemistry (or have submitted a PhD thesis prior to taking up the appointment) or relevant experience. Substantial experience in synthetic organic chemistry and affinity with biomolecular chemistry and (photo)catalysis are required.

Our perfect candidate has:

*A PhD in organic chemistry/ molecular catalysis / chemical biology / peptide chemistry / medicinal chemistry

*Experience with synthesis and characterization of organic compounds

*Experience with synthesis and characterization of peptides and other biomolecules

*Experience with reaction optimization

*Affinity with photocatalysis and click chemistry

*Proven skills of (relatively) independent scientific writing in English

Good communication skills in English

*Ability to collaborate and adapt to an international and multidisciplinary research team.

Fixed-term contract: 2 jaar.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

For international applicants, TU Delft has the Coming to Delft Service. This service provides information for new international employees to help you prepare the relocation and to settle in the Netherlands. The Coming to Delft Service offers a Dual Career Programme for partners and they organise events to expand your (social) network.

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

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The Advanced Soft Matter (ASM) research group is focused on the development and characterisation of new, functional, soft molecular and polymer materials, as well as the design and synthesis of new functional molecules and polymers. Examples include dynamic gels and surfactants, self-healing materials and out-of -equilibrium systems, often formed by self-assembly or directed self-assembly of molecular building blocks. Materials of interest may range from bio-organic to opto-electronic, nanostructured materials.