Postdoctoral Fellow in Development of Peptidomimetic Compounds for Antivirulence Therapy

The University of Gothenburg invites applications for a postdoctoral fellow in the development of peptidomimetic compounds for antivirulence therapy. This position is based in the Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, a vibrant and international research environment with strong interdisciplinary collaborations. The department is renowned for its research and teaching in chemical sciences and molecular life sciences, and is a key contributor to the university’s top ranking in Life Science. The successful candidate will join the Tietze Lab, part of the Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine. The lab engineers bioinspired peptide therapeutics and materials with real-world impact, including nanopore sensors for biomarker detection, targeted drug-delivery systems for oncology, and nature-inspired antibacterial and antivirulence peptidomimetics. The research focus of this postdoctoral position is antivirulence drug discovery targeting Sortase A (SrtA) in Staphylococcus species. The postdoc will lead the design and synthesis of peptidomimetic inhibitor libraries using solid-phase peptide synthesis, solution-phase organic chemistry, and late-stage diversification, and will establish structure–activity relationships. Key responsibilities include developing and running biochemical and cell-based functional assays, studying early adhesion, biofilm formation, and growth/viability using pathogenic strains under BSL-2 conditions. The project integrates biophysical and analytical characterization (HPLC/MS, purity, stability), selectivity profiling versus related enzymes, and mechanistic studies. In collaboration with microbiology partners, the postdoc will contribute to in vivo evaluations in relevant infection models and support PK/PD translation and combination testing with standard antibiotics. The research is highly translational and interdisciplinary, spanning medicinal chemistry, chemical biology, and microbiology, with the goal of advancing systemically usable inhibitors toward preclinical development. Applicants must have a PhD in organic or medicinal chemistry, or chemical biology, with strong expertise in peptide/peptidomimetic synthesis and organic chemistry. Hands-on experience in bacterial bioassays and data-driven lead optimization is highly valued. Additional requirements include proficiency in preparative/analytical HPLC, LC-MS, peptide NMR, systematic data documentation, biochemical assay development, BSL-2 handling of pathogenic bacteria, biofilm and growth/viability assays, readiness to contribute to in vivo studies, and PK/PD-oriented experiments. Excellent scientific writing and communication skills in English, collaboration experience, and strong team skills are essential. The position is a fixed-term, full-time (100%) postdoctoral appointment for 2 years, with salary set individually according to the university’s collective agreement. The start date is as soon as possible. The University of Gothenburg offers a supportive environment for international applicants, with resources for relocation and integration. The university values diversity and equal conditions in the workplace. To apply, submit your application via the University of Gothenburg’s recruitment portal ReachMee. The application must be written in English and include a CV, publication list, research description, contact details for three references, and degree certificates. All documents must be named clearly and translated into English if necessary. The application deadline is March 17, 2026. For further information, contact Prof. Alesia A. Tietze at [email protected]. Additional resources for international applicants and union representatives are available online. Join the Tietze Lab and contribute to cutting-edge research in antivirulence therapy and peptidomimetic drug discovery at the University of Gothenburg.