Do you want to make a difference in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases? The Computational Chemistry and the Homogeneous, Supramolecular and Bio-inspired Catalysis groups have an opening for a postdoctoral researcher within the van ‘t Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences at the University of Amsterdam.

The brain is a challenging target due to the protective blood-brain-barrier (BBB), which hampers the development of effective treatments against brain-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s (AD). Traditional drug carriers using viral vectors face issues with safety, customization, stability and patient acceptance. Metal-organic-cages address these challenges and offer a promising solution for selective brain targeting thanks to their size, bioavailability, safety and modularity. However, navigating their physicochemical property space is challenging.

In this project you will use rationally design, chemically synthesize metal-organic-cages and computationally optimize their interaction with the neuronal membrane. Your work will be validated by colleagues from the Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences who will perform the in vivo validation of your designs.

The successful outcome of this project will lay the structural foundation for the development of multifunctional drugs against neurodegenerative diseases and other brain disorders.

We expect you to be able to work with a high degree of independence and serve as a driving force for your research subject.

What are you going to do

• Design, synthesize & optimize metal organic cages selectively target the neuronal membrane;
• Probe their binding affinity to the neuronal membrane via enhanced sampling simulations;
• Validate the proposed nanocarriers in collaboration with experimental groups;
• Extend the applicability of your protocol to other systems.

You will/tasks:

• Perform research in the computational chemistry and homogenous, supramolecular and bio-inspired catalysis groups at HIMS;
• Be an active member of the groups;
• Have a synthesis/computational background;
• Have the proven experience in chemical synthesis and characterization;
• Have experience with molecular simulations;
• Have excellent organisational, communication and cooperation skills;
• Contribute to the supervision of BSc/MSc & PhD students;
• Publish and present your work within the project and on international scientific platforms.

What do we require

• A PhD degree in organic chemistry and catalysis complemented by computational chemistry skills;
• A strong background in (bio)chemistry;
• Demonstrated experience with molecular dynamics simulations (enhanced sampling, Gromacs, advanced analysis etc.) or the motivation to learn;
• Excellent programming skills;
• Excellent communication skills in oral and written English;
• Strong initiative and good time management skills;
• Interest in collaborating with students (BSc/MSc), PhDs and postdoctoral researchers in related projects and research groups within and outside the Netherlands.

Our offer
A temporary contract for 38 hours per week, preferably starting as soon as possible, for the duration of 12 months.

Based on a full-time contract (38 hours per week) the gross monthly salary will range from € 3,345 to € 5,278 (scale 10). 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.

The UvA offers excellent possibilities for further professional development and education.

Besides the salary and a vibrant and challenging environment at Science Park we offer you multiple fringe benefits:

• 232 holiday hours per year (based on fulltime) and extra holidays between Christmas and 1 January;
• multiple courses to follow from our Teaching and Learning Centre; • a complete educational program for PhD students;
• multiple courses on topics such as time management, handling stress and an online learning platform with 100+ different courses;
• 7 weeks birth leave (partner leave) with 100% salary;
• partly paid parental leave;
• the possibility to set up a workplace at home;
• a pension at ABP for which UvA pays two third part of the contribution;
• the possibility to follow courses to learn Dutch.

Are you curious to read more about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits, take a look here.

About us
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.

To work at the University of Amsterdam is to work in a discerning, independent, creative, innovative and international climate characterized by an open atmosphere and a genuine engagement with the city of Amsterdam and society. Here you can read more about working at the University of Amsterdam.

Questions
Do you have any questions or do you require additional information? Please contact:

• Dr. Ioana M. Ilie, assistant professor
• T: +31 (0) 20 525 2967

Job application
Do you recognize yourself in the job profile? Then we look forward to receiving your application by the 1st of September 2024. You may apply online by using the link below.

Applications in 2 PDFs should include:

• a letter of motivation;
• a curriculum vitae (including complete list of publications);
• names and contact details (email and telephone numbers) of three references.

We will recruit until the position is filled and close the position when a suitable candidate is found.

The UvA is an equal-opportunity employer. We prioritize diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. We value a spirit of enquiry and perseverance, provide the space to keep asking questions, and promote a culture of curiosity and creativity.

No agencies please.