Post-doctoral Researcher- Computational Chemistry UOD1366

The DDU is a fully integrated “Biotech style” drug discovery organisation with cutting edge facilities (http://www.drugdiscovery.dundee.ac.uk). We are passionate about tackling unmet medical need. We have two areas of activity: drug discovery for globally important neglected and emerging infectious diseases (including TB, malaria, coronaviruses), that affect millions of people across the world every year and Innovative Targets across a variety of different diseases.

We work to BioPharma philosophy and standards, incorporating a dynamic, goal driven project management strategy based on Target Product Profiles and Compound Selection Criteria. Our team of 130 scientists, has extensive experience of all aspects of drug discovery gained within the BioPharma industry. Our exceptional skill set within a university enables us to work with major BioPharma and technology companies and world-class Life Sciences research partners, to improve how high-quality drug discovery is carried out for these diseases.

We are recruiting for a highly motivated and expert Computational Chemist PDRA to develop a platform for the analysis of Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (aaRSs) as anti-infective targets. Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases are attractive drug targets but the understanding of the family as a target class is in its infancy.

Your priorities will include:

• Analysis of the ATP/aa active sites of different P. falciparum, M. tuberculosis and human aaRS to reveal “hot spots” and key interactions for inhibitor design and selectivity.
• Bioinformatic analysis of active sites to see what residues are highly conserved across field isolates and which are subject to variation.
• A focused fragment library to screen against amino acyl t-RNA synthetases.
• The results of this work and the fragment library will have utility in drug discovery programmes for other neglected diseases.

Who we’re looking for:

• Highly motivated, self-directed individuals qualified with a PhD in Computational Chemistry, Cheminformatics, Computational Medicinal Chemistry or related subjects
• Good knowledge of commercial and OS modelling software. Good python programming language, Linux OS experience
• Strong interpersonal, communication and coordination skills
• The ability to report, organize and publish research data suitable for external publication
• Strong solution-oriented attitude, a spirit of innovation and a high motivation to learn
• Experience of the Drug Discovery process
• Desire to engage the external communities with blog commentaries For further information on this position

For more information please contact Mike Bodkin (MBodkin001@dundee.ac.uk)

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