Description of position DC02

Title of the project

Peptide-based receptors

Description of the project

With the aim of creating robust, potent and selective carbohydrate binding molecules (CBMs) whose synthesis can be scaled up, peptides or small proteins are attractive.  Their specific fold, presence of amino acids capable of polar hydrogen bonds and CH-p interactions, have the potential to achieve the goals.  Designs inspired by nature will be approached via peptide synthesis and mini-protein expression.  Studying their fold and designing multivalent versions, is part of the goals towards highly potent and practical CBMs. Molecular modeling, advanced NMR and state of the art peptide synthesis and protein expression are the key techniques.  Application area’s include the interference with adhesion and infection with bacteria and viruses. 

Research Field

Main area: Organic and peptide chemistry
Specific area: biochemistry

Work location

Utrecht University (ww.uu.nl), Department of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery (https://www.uu.nl/en/research/chemical-biology-and-drug-discovery), Adress:  Universiteitsweg 99,

3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands

Supervisor

prof. Roland Pieters (r.j.pieters@uu.nl)

Required educational level

Master in organic chemistry, chemical biology, drug discovery, analytical chemistry, supramolecular chemistry or related

Skills or qualitfication required

Organic synthesis, carbohydrate synthesis, spectroscopy, binding studies

Additional Benefit

We offer:

  • a position for four years;
  • a gross monthly salary ranging from €2,770 in the first year and increasing to  €3,539 in the fourth year in the case of full-time employment (salary scale P under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU);
  • 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
  • a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.

In addition to the terms of employment external link laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University has a number of schemes and facilities of its own for employees. This includes schemes facilitating professional development external link, leave schemes and schemes for sports and cultural activities external link, as well as discounts on software and other IT products. We also offer access to additional employee benefits through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage our employees to continue to invest in their growth. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University (https://www.uu.nl/en/organisation/working-at-utrecht-university)

Tentative starting date of the contract

01/09/2024

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility criteria available here.

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