PRR Project

Summary

The Associated Laboratory for Green Chemistry (LAQV-REQUIMTE) is seeking an Assistant Researcher in the field of Organic Chemistry with emphasis on synthesis, modification, purification, and characterization of bioactive compounds, mainly peptides and peptide-based constructs, such as peptide-nucleic acids and/or peptide-small molecule conjugates.We seek a person who will potentially become a research leader in the field of Synthetic Organic Chemistry, with emphasis on Bioorganic and Peptide Chemistry, who has clear scientific visions, as well as entrepreneurship and management skills.Key tasks include development of an independent research line that focuses on design, production and testing of new bioactive molecules, mainly peptide-based constructs, for biomedical or biotechnological applications. The successful applicant will be part of the team that is responsible for the management of a peptide synthesis facility and will contribute to the day-to-day operation of the facility. An important part of the tasks is to provide training in organic and solid-phase peptide synthesis, purification, and characterization of peptides and other organic compounds for BSc, MSc and PhD-students. This includes advising on rational design and synthesis of new compounds and (bio)materials thereof, as well as on planning experiments to solve specific research questions. The successful applicant must be able to supervise PhD, MSc, and BSc students, as well as research technicians.Key responsibilities include:Establishment of an independent and internationally recognized research career in Bioorganic Chemistry, addressing key questions on the design, synthesis, structural analysis and in vitro evaluation of peptides, peptide-based constructs, and other organic molecules, as well as regarding use and/or development of bioinformatics tools for the prediction of their physico-chemical and biological properties.Follow developments within the subject area and the evolution of society in general, to devise innovative approaches and new applications of the existing know-how and resources to tackle societal challenges.Contribute to the supervision of first-, second- and third-cycle interns/students in the research team.Participate in the general institutional work, including service on committees, and taking on responsibilities above one’s own research tasks .Scientific Profile: The ideal candidate will possess the following:Ph.D. in Chemistry or in a related field, with a Dissertation having a strong focus on Synthetic Organic and Peptide Chemistry targeting new bioactive compounds.Research expertise and professional skills relevant to the content of the job description above.Previous experience in the advanced training of young pre-doctoral researchers in the relevant field.Strong interest in (i) developing/optimizing new synthetic approaches for the design and production of new bioactive compounds, and (ii) identifying and testing new uses (repurposing) for compounds from the team’s collection.Proficiency in utilizing advanced methods and instrumentation for organic and peptide synthesis, purification, and analysis; experience in the use of automated peptide synthesizers will be most valued.Entrepreneurship skills, including previous experience in identifying key exploitable results and protecting/valuing intellectual property.Adequate publication record in highly regarded peer-reviewed internationally indexed scientific journals related to the field.Excellent communication, collaboration, and networking skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment and to proficiently communicate and teach in English.Rationale: The recruitment of an Assistant Researcher in Synthetic Organic Chemistry with expertise in Peptide Chemistry aligns with our institution´s strategic goals in advancing research and post-graduate education in Bioorganic Chemistry and its ample biomedical and biotechnological applications. The emphasis in Bioorganic and Peptide Chemistry is justified to reinforce our team of researchers that focuses on addressing important research topics spanning from Health&Life Sciences to AgroFood Technology. The expertise of the successful applicant will significantly contribute to ongoing research projects where peptide and organic synthesis tools are used to advance novel (i) compounds and peptide-based (bio)materials to fight antimicrobial resistance, and (ii) biocontrol agents for crop plant pests and diseases, altogether strengthening our institutional capabilities in these critical areas. The Assistant Researcher will join LAQV-REQUIMTE at Faculty of Sciences of the University of Porto (FCUP), where there is the same commitment to staying at the forefront of scientific discovery and making meaningful contributions to this specific field.