Postdoc Position in Medicinal Chemistry

Utrecht University via AcademicTransfer; Netherlands; On-site; EUR 41,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Holiday pay 8%

Year-end bonus 8.3%

Pension scheme

Parental leave

Flexible terms

Job summary

Utrecht University is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to join a multidisciplinary project at the interface of medicinal chemistry, computational drug discovery and chemical biology in the Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery division of the Utrecht Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences.

You will work on discovery and optimization of Piezo1 inhibitors for sickle cell disease using virtual screening, AI, and organic synthesis, in collaboration with UMC Utrecht, with opportunities for translational

Qualifications

• PhD in Medicinal Chemistry required.
• Experience in organic synthesis of drug-like compounds expected.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English is essential.

Responsibilities

• Discover and develop novel Piezo1 inhibitors for sickle cell disease.
• Combine virtual screening, AI techniques and organic synthesis.
• Collaborate with researchers at UMC Utrecht for compound assaying.
• Contribute to translational aspects and participate in user committee meetings.

Skills

Organic synthesis

Molecular modelling

English proficiency

Education

PhD in Medicinal Chemistry

Job description

Organisation/Company Utrecht University Research Field Medical sciences » Medicine Chemistry » Inorganic chemistry Chemistry » Computational chemistry Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Application Deadline 18 Nov 2026 - 22:59 (UTC) Country Netherlands Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Not Applicable Hours Per Week 40.0 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Join a multidisciplinary project at the interface of medicinal chemistry, computational drug discovery and chemical biology.

Your job

As a postdoc, you will play a key role in the discovery and development of novel Piezo1 inhibitors for sickle cell disease, combining virtual screening, AI-techniques and organic synthesis. Initial inhibitors have already been identified, providing a starting point for further optimization and broader screening. You will work closely with researchers at UMC Utrecht where compounds will be assayed. The project combines fundamental research with translational potential and offers opportunities to interact with experts in the field through periodic user committee meetings.

You will work in the Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery division of the Utrecht Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences. The division houses around 60 researchers with expertise in preparative chemistry linked to disease research, carbohydrates and glycoscience, RNA in disease, immunology and drug discovery.

You will have access to modern synthetic labs, state of the art analytical equipment, biolabs and large scale computation facilities. Regular in person meetings with our partner group at the UMC will support the close collaboration on this project. Our goal is to advance successful compounds in subsequent translational activities.

As a postdoctoral researcher, you will have the opportunity to develop your expertise across synthetic and computational medicinal chemistry and apply modern approaches to compound discovery and optimization.

We are looking for an enthusiastic scientist with:

• a completed PhD in Medicinal Chemistry;
• experience in organic synthesis of drug-like compounds;
• experience in molecular modelling/docking experience in the creation and development of bioactive compounds;
• proficiency in written and spoken English.

Additional Information

• a position for one year, with the possibility of an extension for one year upon a positive evaluation;
• a gross monthly salary, depending on qualifications and experience, between €3.706 and €5.760 (salary scale 10 under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU)). The salary is based on a 38-hour working week;
• 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 set out in our collective labour agreement, we offer attractive additional benefits, including opportunities for personal and professional growth , flexible leave arrangements, and extra vacation days. Through the UU Terms of Employment Options Model, you can tailor your employment package to your needs. In this way, we encourage you to grow in what you do, both in your work and in your development.

Selection process

At Utrecht University, we strive to be a place where everyone feels at home. We value colleagues with different backgrounds, perspectives and identities, including differences in culture, religion or ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, neurodiversity, disability and age. We are committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive and contribute. about our commitment to diversity and inclusion. If you have any questions about accessibility, for example regarding your workplace David de Wiedgebouw , the application process or your work, please contact us via our HR contact page .