PhD Student Synthetic Organic Chemistry & Chemical Biology

Vacancy number AFSG-ORC-0017

We are looking for A PhD candidate with a strong background in synthetic organic chemistry and a keen interest in biology to investigate microbial carbohydrate derivatives. Many symbiotic and pathogenic microbes that interact with the human body display a wide range of structurally unique sialic acid carbohydrates. The roles these microbial sialic acids play in the functioning of these microbes are currently not well understood. The initial goal of the project will be to develop a total synthesis for these microbial sialic acids. Next, you will use the developed synthetic routes to design and synthesize modified derivatives with additional functionalities (e.g microbial sialic acid based inhibitors, activity based probes, glycoarrays, fluorescent substrates). In the final stage of the project you will use these compounds to investigate the role(s) of microbial sialic acids in relevant human-associated microbes. For this interdisciplinary part of the project, involving chemical biology and microbiology, you will receive training in both areas and collaborate with microbiologists at Wageningen University. Requirements You should have an MSc degree in Chemistry/ Molecular Sciences, or comparable curriculum. A strong background and solid hands-on experience in synthetic organic chemistry is a prerequisite. A strong interest (or preferentially experience) in chemical biology oriented research is also important. Your affinity for the multidisciplinary and collaborative nature of the project and good written and oral communication skills in English are additional requirements. We offer We offer you a temporary position for a period of 1.5 years with extension of 2.5 years after successful evaluation. Gross salary per month € 2042 in the first year rising up to € 2612 per month in the fourth year.  We not only offer a competitive salary but also good (study) leave and a pension of the ABP Pension Fund. Additional information For more information about this position, please contact dr. Tom Wennekes, Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, telephone number +31 317481268, e-mail tom.wennekes@wur.nl. For more information about the contractual aspects, please contact Mrs. N. de Vries (HR-advisor), e-mail nicole.devries@wur.nl. Interested? You can apply online at www.wageningenur.nl until November 3rd 2012. The organization The Laboratory of Organic Chemistry (www.orc.wur.nl) constitutes a large and interdisciplinary research team. We investigate the design, synthesis and behavior of (bio)active organic surfaces & molecules to address questions in the area of life sciences. Recently published examples of our research include biofunctionalized organic monolayers and microchannels, chemo-enzymatic synthesis & glycobiology of ganglioside analogues, immobilized enzymes, and bio-organic nanoparticles (in journals as Angew. Chem., J. Am. Chem. Soc., Chem. Com., ChemBioChem, OBC, Glycobiology, Carbohydrate Res.). Our laboratories are well-equipped with all the facilities & instruments required for the synthesis and evaluation of complex (bio)molecules & organic surfaces, and have an experienced technical staff. The Agrotechnology & Food Sciences Group is part of Wageningen UR where fundamental and applied sciences complement each other. As an important European player, we carry out top-level research and work alongside authoritative partners within the international business world as well as the government on “Healthy food in a biobased society”. We have a crucial role in innovations within the market. Entrepreneurship and professionalism are what define us. In short, we are an interesting, international employer of stature. Wageningen University and Research Centre Delivering a substantial contribution to the quality of life. That's our focus – each and every day. Within our domain, healthy food and living environment, we search for answers to issues affecting society – such as sustainable food production, climate change and alternative energy. Of course, we don’t do this alone. Every day, 6,500 people work on ‘the quality of life’, turning ideas into reality, on a global scale. Could you be one of these people? We give you the space you need. For further information about working at Wageningen UR, take a look at www.jobsat.wur.nl. Acquisition regarding this vacancy is not appreciated.

Click here to apply for this job