Postdoc - Pharmacologist

A talented postdoctoral fellow with strong experience in pharmacology, molecular biology, and chemical biology is sought to join the Neuropeptide Research Group at the Institute of Biological Chemistry at the University of Vienna. The group is focused on the exploration of nature's biodiversity to develop molecular probes and discover novel therapeutic leads with applications in pain, cancer, autism, gastrointestinal disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. The successful applicant will be responsible for drug target discovery and validation, pharmacological characterisation of molecular probes and therapeutic leads, ADMET and other preclinical studies.


Duties
Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:


Research Duties

• Pharmacological and biophysical characterisation of peptide ligands
• Structure-activity relationship studies of molecular probes and therapeutic leads
• Gastrointestinal wound healing assays and target receptor discovery
• ADMET studies
• Preparation of research reports, manuscripts for publications and oral presentations
• Supervision and training of students and staff
• Liaising with team members to promote the achievement of immediate project goals


Administrative Duties

• Support with administrative tasks, teaching and grant applications
• Participation at research meetings and maintenance of an accurate lab book
• Chemical purchases and equipment maintenance
• Any other duties as reasonably directed by your supervisor


Organisational Relationships
The position reports to A/Prof. Markus Muttenthaler.





SELECTION CRITERIA


Essential

• PhD in the area of pharmacology, chemical or molecular biology, or biochemistry
• Strong experience with pharmacological bioassays and analysis
• Strong experience with molecular biology techniques
• Well-developed laboratory and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and across disciplines
• Ability to independently drive research projects to completion
• Ability to write research manuscripts and grant/fellowship applications
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English



Desirable

• Experience in GPCR pharmacology (IP-1, cAMP, binding, BRET, FLIPR assays)
• Experience with recombinant expression systems for peptide/protein production
• Experience with bioactive peptides, peptide NMR, mass spectrometry
• Experience with wound healing and/or IncuCyte instrument
• Experience with animal models (i.e. DSS, TNBS models)
• Experience with phage display
• Ability to supervise students and junior staff
• Written and verbal communication skills in German