The position is available in the division of Medicinal Chemistry within the department of Chemistry & Pharmaceutical Sciences of the Faculty of Science.

The computational group plays an essential role in the division and integrates the drug synthesis and molecular pharmacology activities by improving molecular understanding using Computer-Aided Drug Design (CADD). There are two main research lines; G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and Fragment-Based Drug Discovery. Within the GPCR research line, the division has been focusing, amongst others, on histamine receptors and chemokine receptors. The computational group uses the rapidly emerging structural understanding to develop GPCR activation models, construct ligand-protein binding models, deduce structure-activity relationships and to identify and optimize novel GPCR ligands. Within the fragment-based drug design research line, molecular modelling explores a variety of other protein classes, including phosphodiesterases and ligand-gated ion channels. Identification of fragment hits is followed up by structure-based drug design to develop potent lead compounds with favourable pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic profiles. Fragment-based approaches are also used to study fundamental aspects of ligand-protein binding, especially with respect to affinity, binding kinetics and thermodynamics, using experimental data that is generated by a variety of techniques, including biochemical and biophysical screening such as SPR, ITC and x-ray crystallography. Bio- and cheminformatics approaches are being used to address poly-pharmacology as a promising approach to develop new drug candidates with clinical potential (especially in the field of neglected parasitic diseases and inflammation).
 
The division of Medicinal Chemistry is part of the Amsterdam Institute of Molecules, Medicines and Systems (AIMMS) and collaborates with other divisions that have expertise in other areas of preclinical drug development, including toxicology, bioanalyses and biology.
 
Experience in modelling of GPCRs, programming, scripting and bioinformatics is preferred. Good English language skills and the ability to work in a team are needed. The computational group is an integral part of the Medicinal Chemistry division (amongst others there are weekly work discussions and biweekly brainstorm sessions with the drug synthesis group, next to project meetings with the molecular pharmacology group). An appreciation of synthetic chemistry and molecular pharmacology is essential. It is important that the candidate is able to attract research funding and will participate in teaching (under)graduate students and supervising traineeships/theses.

We are seeking a highly motivated assistant professor who will use a wide range of computational techniques (including molecular dynamics simulations, homology modelling, molecular docking, structural chemogenomics studies, virtual screening) to design novel ligands and to study (receptor) protein function. 
 

The appointment will be initially for 12 months. After satisfactory evaluation of the initial appointment, it can be extended.
 
You can find information about our excellent fringe benefits of employment at www.workingatvu.nl like:
• remuneration of  8,3% end-of-year bonus and  8% holiday allowance
• solid pension scheme (ABP);
• a minimum of 29 holidays in case of full-time employment.
 
The salary will be in accordance with university regulations for academic personnel, and depending on experience, range from a minimum of € 3475,- gross per month (salary scale 11)  up to a maximum of € 5405,- gross per month (salary scale 12) based on fulltime employment.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is a leading, innovative and growing university that is at the heart of society and actively contributes to new developments in teaching and research. Our university has ten faculties which span a wide range of disciplines, as well as several institutes, foundations, research centres, and support services. Its campus is located in the fastest-growing economic region in the Netherlands (the Zuid-as district of Amsterdam), and provides work for over 4,500 staff and scientific education for more than 23,000 students.