We are looking for a Ph D candidate in the group of Prof. A. J. Minnaard, who leads a natural product synthesis group at the Stratingh Institute for Chemistry (see: minnaardgroup.nl). Within the framework of his Ammodo Science Award, the position focusses on the total synthesis of membrane components of M. tuberculosis.
In an ongoing collaboration with tuberculosis-experts and molecular immunologists we identify and synthesize new components of the bacterial pathogen M. tuberculosis. These compounds have shown to be important for pathogenesis and virulence and are highly interesting from a molecular structure point of view. In parallel, we study how to translate fundamental findings in organic synthesis, such as in photochemistry and electrochemistry, into the synthesis of natural products. This is essential both for the identification of these compounds and also for their production as adjuvants, diagnostics and vaccines. You will design and execute synthesis routes to new molecules from M. tuberculosis, discovered within the “Lipidomics Team”. These compounds will be used in immunology studies by our collaborators. You will be trained in organic synthesis and catalysis, including NMR spectroscopy and chromatography, in photoredox chemistry and in electrosynthesis. Additionally, you will be involved in teaching, by supervising tutorials and bachelor/master theses.
Organisation
The University of Groningen is a research university within the top 100 on several influential ranking lists. The Faculty of Science and Engineering offers first-rate education and research in a wide range of science and engineering disciplines.
The mission of the Stratingh Institute for Chemistry is to perform excellent research and teaching in molecular and supramolecular chemistry. Core activities in the chemical sciences such as bioorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, molecular inorganic chemistry and molecular materials chemistry are embedded in the institute. The research programme is focused on synthesis, catalysis, functional materials, bio-organic chemistry/chemical biology and systems chemistry/complex molecular systems.