INT25-2507-BÉLGICA

PERFIL REQUERIDO DEL CANDIDATO:

• Conocimientos necesarios: 

Sound background in basic and advanced organic chemistry is essential, as well as knowledge of spectroscopic techniques for structure elucidation (NMR, MS, IR), practical experience of performing organic reactions in the lab in a reproducible way and taking into account all required safety measures.

• Características personales:

enthusiastic, strongly motivated, eager to learn, loving organic synthesis of (often complex) biologically active compounds, perseverant if reactions do not immediately work as expected, creative way of thinking in order to help to find solutions, open minded, social attitude for smooth and respectful collaboration with other people

CONDICIONES DE LAS PRÁCTICAS:

• Tipo de institución: Universidad
• Actividad de la Empresa/Institución: University - organic synthesis
• Localidad: GHENT
• Tareas a desarrollar:

The trainee will be actively involved in one of our current organic synthesis projects with broad potential biological activity as part of ongoing collaborations with interested biomedical research partners.

As such, our laboratory is pursuing the synthesis of a variety of novel disaccharide-based scaffolds and derivatives, starting from rare sugars like trehalose, kojibiose or nigerose. We are interested in both small-molecule and macrocyclic carbohydrate derivatives as potential new drugs, e.g. for tuberculosis by development of antibiotics against the pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Another project involves the synthesis of simplified analogues of peloruside, a complex natural macrocyclic product with very interesting antitumor properties. We have already synthesized a potent derivative, named pelofen, and are currently continuing the optimization process through synthesis of newly designed analogues.

We are also actively involved in the organic synthesis of complex fatty acid derivatives for application in the field of innovative anti-cancer research. The synthesized compounds are used as research tools to unravel the biomolecular mechanisms and can serve as potential novel therapeutic agents via intervention in these biochemical pathways.

The student will participate in the synthesis and development of such novel drug candidates, in collaboration with a senior PhD-student or postdoc. All aspects of organic synthesis will be covered: design - experiment - purification - spectroscopic analysis. Screening for biological activity of synthesized analogues will be done by our collaborating partners.

• Fecha de comienzo: 01/09/2025
• Número de plazas: 1
• Horario:  M-F: 8:00-15:30h
• Ayuda económica voluntaria mensual de la empresa/institución: No
• Otro tipo de ayudas voluntaria de la empresa/institución:

The reception company/institution provides information so that the trainee can look for their accommodation

The reception company/institution offers meals at the Centre, paid by the trainee

• Beca Neta Mensual de UNIVERSA (cantidad mensual a ingresar al becario): 931 €
• Valoración de becarios anteriores a 2018 (de 0 a 5 puntos):  Sin valoración
• Valoración de becarios desde 2018 (de 1 a 5 puntos):  Sin valoración