We are looking for a highly motivated postdoctoral candidate with a strong molecular pharmacology background to develop in vitro drug discovery assays for GPCRs to drive a GPCR drug discovery project.

Your duties

• Develop in vitro models for the prediction of GPCR activity of newly synthesized chemical entities
• Develop selected in vitro models for ADMET screening of new GPCR ligands (e.g. hERG channel, metabolic stability)
• Implement and integrate models and tools into workflows for efficient drug discovery
• Contribute to data integration to push our academic drug discovery efforts in close collaboration with synthetic and computational chemists
• Publish scientific articles and present research results at conferences
• Supervision of BSc and MSc students
• Collaborate within the interdisciplinary team of Medicinal Chemistry at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and with other national and international researchers

• PhD in Molecular Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences or a related  Life Science discipline
• Strong background in developing in vitro assays for drug discovery and data analysis.
• Knowledge of and/or skills in mammalian cell culture, molecular biology or protein chemistry of GPCRs can be a strong plus
• Strong communication, organizational and social skills. Able to stimulate and motivate students and co-workers with various backgrounds (e.g. organic and computational chemists).
• Team player with the ability to work independently.
• Taking responsibility for lab organization and lab safety
• Fluent in speaking and writing English

Fixed-term contract: 1 year.

A challenging position in a socially involved organization. On full-time basis the remuneration amounts to a minimum gross monthly salary of €2,790 (scale 10) and a maximum €4,402 (scale 10), depending on your education and experience. The job profile: Onderzoeker 4 is based on the university job ranking system and is vacant for at least 1 FTE.

The initial employment contract will affect a period of 1 year, with the possibility of extension.

Additionally, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam offers excellent fringe benefits and various schemes and regulations to promote a good work/life balance, such as:

• a maximum of 41 days of annual leave based on full-time employment
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
• solid pension scheme (ABP)
• possibility to save holiday hours, for sabbatical leave 
• child daycare facilities available on campus

The ambition of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is clear: to contribute to a better world through outstanding education and ground-breaking research. We strive to be a university where personal development and commitment to society play a leading role. A university where people from different disciplines and backgrounds collaborate to achieve innovations and to generate new knowledge. Our teaching and research encompass the entire spectrum of academic endeavor – from the humanities, the social sciences and the natural sciences through to the life sciences and the medical sciences.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is home to more than 26,000 students. We employ over 4,600 individuals. The VU campus is easily accessible and located in the heart of Amsterdam’s Zuidas district, a truly inspiring environment for teaching and research.

Diversity
We are an inclusive university community. Diversity is one of our most important values. We believe that engaging in international activities and welcoming students and staff from a wide variety of backgrounds enhances the quality of our education and research. We are always looking for people who can enrich our world with their own unique perspectives and experiences.

The Faculty of Science
The Faculty of Science inspires researchers and students to find sustainable solutions for complex societal issues. From forest fires to big data, from obesity to medicines and from molecules to the moon: our teaching and research programmes cover the full spectrum of the natural sciences. We share knowledge and experience with leading research institutes and industries, both here in the Netherlands and abroad.

Working at the Faculty of Science means working with students, PhD candidates and researchers, all with a clear focus on their field and a broad view of the world. We employ more than 1,250 staff members, and we are home to around 6,000 students.
 
Division of Medicinal Chemistry
The Medicinal Chemistry Division combines research in molecular pharmacology, biochemistry, computer-aided drug design and chemical synthesis to acquire detailed insight into molecular interactions between proteins and biological active molecules (chemical compounds and nanobodies). Moreover, we are interested in modulation of cellular signaling by these biological active molecules. The division is performing research in various areas, including anti-cancer and anti-inflammation. The section is also involved in education within Bachelor's and Master's degree programs in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Medical Natural Sciences and Biomolecular Sciences.