新合成方法用于前药激活的博士职位

Are you excited to work at the frontiers of synthetic organic chemistry, catalysis, and medicinal chemistry? We, Wageningen University and Research, have a vacancy for a PhD in New Synthetic Methods for Prodrug Activation.

We are offering a 4-year PhD position in the Laboratory of Organic Chemistry at Wageningen University and Research, focusing on the development of new (photo)catalytic reactions and synthetic methods to activate prodrugs.

About the project: Prodrugs are molecules with little to no biological activity that can harmlessly circulate through the body until they reach their target and are converted into active drugs. The use of prodrugs offers the potential for safer and more effective therapies. However, their successful application requires chemical reactions that convert prodrugs into their active forms in a controlled manner. The aim of this project is therefore to develop new synthetic methods to make precise modifications to a drug’s skeleton with catalytic control, enabling it to bind its target and thus become an active drug. By innovating prodrug activation strategies, we aim to contribute to the development of next-generation prodrugs while expanding the synthetic toolbox. As such, this PhD project combines method development with catalysis and organic synthesis.

Your duties and responsibilities include: • you will contribute to the development of new synthetic methods and catalytic tools that enable the controlled activation of prodrugs under physiological conditions. A key aspect of this role is staying informed of the latest developments in the fields of synthetic organic chemistry and catalysis and integrating relevant advances into ongoing research; • you are expected to develop research questions, design experimental approaches, and execute synthesis and characterization of organic and inorganic compounds within the context of the project. You will report on your findings to the scientific community via peer-reviewed publication, and conference contributions; • you will take part in the education of students through supervision of BSc and MSc students in laboratory courses and thesis projects; • you will be registered with the graduate school and receive training in both field-specific, general scientific and soft skills to facilitate your professionalization and development as independent scientist.

You will work here The project will be executed in the Laboratory of Organic Chemistry ( Organic Chemistry - WUR ), which is headed by Prof. Han Zuilhof . You will be supervised by Dr. Eva J. Meeus with support from Prof. Han Zuilhof.