Postdoctoral fellow in development of peptidomimetic compounds for antivirulence therapy

Gothenburg, Sweden

2026-03-17 (Europe/Stockholm)

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The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. 58 000 students and 6800 employees make the university a large and inspiring place to work and study. Strong research and attractive study programmes attract researchers and students from around the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, the University contributes to a better future.

The Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology conducts high-quality research and education within the chemical sciences and the molecular life sciences. Our research and teaching focus on a deep understanding of chemical and biological processes in cells and in the environment. We are responsible for postgraduate education within the Natural Sciences subject area with specializations in chemistry, biophysics, biology, and science education. In addition, the department hosts study programs in molecular biology, bioinformatics, chemistry, organic chemistry and pharmaceutical chemistry, as well as the prescriptionist (pharmacy technician) program. The department is an international environment with interdisciplinary collaborations in both research and education, and it contributes strongly to the University of Gothenburg’s top ranking within Life Science. The department’s activities are conducted in Natrium, on Medicinareberget in Gothenburg. Tietze Lab is part of the Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine (https://www.gu.se/en/molecular-translational-medicine) an interdisciplinary centre driving discoveries in metabolism, neuroscience, cancer, inflammation, degenerative disease, genomics, and life-science chemistry. Tietze lab team (www.tietze-lab.com) engineer bioinspired peptide therapeutics and materials with real-world impact: nanopore sensors for ultrasensitive biomarker detection in clinical fluids, targeted drug-delivery systems for oncology, and nature-inspired antibacterial and antivirulence peptidomimetics that disarm pathogens rather than fuel resistance. By joining us you will turn elegant chemistry into tools and treatments that matter

Subject area

Postdoctoral fellow in development of peptidomimetic compounds for antivirulence therapy

Subject area description

This position focuses on antivirulence drug discovery targeting Sortase A (SrtA) in Staphylococcus species. The postdoc will drive the design and synthesis of peptidomimetic inhibitor libraries (solid-phase peptide synthesis, solution-phase organic chemistry, late-stage diversification) and establish structure–activity relationships. The role includes developing and running biochemical assays and cell-based functional assays, early adhesion, biofilm formation, and growth/viability using pathogenic strains under BSL-2. The project integrates biophysical/analytical characterization (HPLC/MS, purity, stability), selectivity profiling versus related enzymes, and mechanistic studies. In collaboration with microbiology partners, the postdoc will contribute to in vivo evaluations in relevant infection models and support PK/PD translation and combination testing with standard antibiotics. The research is translational and interdisciplinary, spanning medicinal chemistry, chemical biology, and microbiology, with the objective of advancing systemically usable inhibitors toward preclinical development. Candidates should bring strong expertise in peptide/peptidomimetic synthesis and organic chemistry, alongside hands-on experience (or strong motivation to develop expertise) in bacterial bioassays and data-driven lead optimization

Duties

• Conduct independent and collaborative research on antivirulence therapy peptidomimetic inhibitorsdevelopment, from design/synthesis to bioassay validation and data analysis.
• Supervise and mentor undergraduate, master’s, and PhD students.
• Maintain, improve, and document standard lab routines and analytical pipelines, ensuring reproducibility
• Drive constructive team workflows: coordinate shared resources, contribute to lab meetings, and support smooth day-to-day operations.
• Collaborate across disciplines (medicinal chemistry, chemical biology, microbiology) and share expertise to advance complementary projects within the group.
• Engage externally as needed, industry/clinical partners, core facilities, and drive the preparation of manuscripts and compelling presentations
• Perform related administrative tasks tied to the above responsibilities.

Eligibility

The eligibility criteria for employing teaching staff are set out in Chapter 4 of the Higher Education Ordinance and in the Appointment Procedure for Teaching Posts at the University of Gothenburg.

Eligible for appointment as a postdoctoral fellow is a person who has been awarded a doctoral degree, or a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a doctoral degree. This eligibility requirement must be met no later than the time when the employment decision is made. Priority should primarily be given to those who have been awarded a doctoral degree no more than three years before the application deadline. If there are special reasons, the doctoral degree may have been awarded earlier.

Requirements for the position:

• PhD in organic/medicinal chemistry or chemical biology
• Peptide/peptidomimetic synthesis expertise: solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS), solution-phase organic chemistry, and library design/build.
• Analytical proficiency: preparative/analytical HPLC, LC-MS, peptide NMR, identity, and stability, systematic data documentation.
• Biochemical assay experience: ability to develop, run, and troubleshoot enzymatic assays.
• Microbiology workflows: BSL-2 handling of pathogenic bacteria, biofilm assays (e.g., crystal violet) and growth/viability assays.
• Translational mindset: readiness to contribute to in vivo studies and PK/PD-oriented experiments.
• Scientific writing & communication: proven ability to write clear, publication-ready manuscripts and deliver concise presentation
• Excellent English, written and spoken.
• Collaboration experience and strong team skills.

Assessment criteria

This is a career-development position primarily focused on research. Assessment will emphasize scientific merits and potential, with particular weight on demonstrated ability within chemical biology and peptidomimetics.

In appointing a postdoctoral fellow, we will consider:

• Ability to develop and conduct high-quality research: strong track record in peptide/peptidomimetic synthesis and organic chemistry, and in building robust biochemical/cellular assays (e.g., FRET, biofilm, growth).
• Project fit and complementarity: how the applicant’s expertise will strengthen ongoing work within the team.
• Methodological rigor and lab operations
• Collaboration and teamwork: ability to work across medicinal chemistry, chemical biology, and microbiology
• Scientific communication: capacity to write manuscripts, craft clear presentations, excellent English, written and spoken.
• Drive and independence: initiative in problem-solving, ability to prioritize and deliver, and potential to shape new project directions.

Employment

The position as postdoctor is a fixed-term, fulltime 100% for 2 years, according to the collective agreement, KA postdoktor at the Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Gothenburg. Start as soon as possible.

Contact information

If you have any questions about the position, please contact Prof. Alesia A. Tietze, e-mail: Alesia.a.tietze@gu.se phonenumber: +46 766186248

Unions

Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg can be found here: https://www.gu.se/om-universitetet/jobba-hos-oss/hjalp-for-sokande

Application

Submit your application via the University of Gothenburg’s recruitment portal ReachMee by clicking "create account and  the “Apply” button. It is your responsibility to ensure that the application is complete as per the vacancy notice, and that the University receives it by the final application deadline.

The application must be written in English and include:

• Curriculum vitae (CV), including a list of publications
• A general description of previous research and future research interests (maximum three pages)
• Contact details for three references
• A copy of the doctoral degree certificate and other certificates/grades you wish to cite. The cited merits must be documented and certified. They must be translated into English if they are in a language other than Swedish or English.

All attachments must be named in a way that clearly indicates their content.
The application must be received no later than:2026-03-17

Information for International Applicants

Choosing a career in a foreign country is a big step. Thus, to give you a general idea of what we and Gothenburg have to offer in terms of benefits and life in general for you and your family/spouse/partner please visit:

https://www.gu.se/en/about-the-university/welcome-services
https://www.movetogothenburg.com/

The University works actively to achieve a working environment with equal conditions, and values the qualities that diversity brings to its operations. Salaries are set individually at the University. In accordance with the National Archives of Sweden’s regulations, the University must archive application documents for two years after the appointment is filled. If you request that your documents are returned, they will be returned to you once the two years have passed. Otherwise, they will be destroyed. In connection to this recruitment, we have already decided which recruitment channels we should use. We therefore decline further contact with vendors, recruitment and staffing companies.

Job details

Title
Postdoctoral fellow in development of peptidomimetic compounds for antivirulence therapy

Employer
University of Gothenburg

Location
Universitetsplatsen 1 Gothenburg, Sweden

Published
2026-02-19

Application deadline
2026-03-17 23:59 (Europe/Stockholm)

Job type
Postdoc

Field
Molecular Biology, ,
Microbiology, ,
Medicinal Chemistry, ,
Biochemistry, ,
Chemical Biology,