The Peptide Science Laboratory at the School of Chemistry & Physics (University of KwaZulu-Natal) is seeking for a talented young Synthetic Peptide Chemist with experience in Tag-assisted Liquid-Phase Peptide Synthesis (LPPS) for immediate incorporation into a very dynamic research group devoted to the synthesis and application (medicinal chemistry) of peptides.

Minimum requirements
- Immediate incorporation
- Well demonstrated record (publications in Scopus and/or Clarivate) on peptide synthetic and/or organic chemistry with focus in both methodology and medicinal chemistry
- Knowledge of some of the different reactions & techniques: (i) Tag-assisted Liquid-Phase Peptide Synthesis (LPPS); (ii) solid-phase synthesis; (iii) amide/peptide bond formation using coupling reagents used in peptide chemistry; (iv) manipulation of protecting groups; (v) disulfide formation; (vi) green chemistry; (vii) microwave synthesizer; (viii) Liquid-Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; (ix) NMR and FT-IR
- Additional reaction & techniques will be valorised

Work Description
The candidate will work in projects in collaboration with international companies focused to the development of new methodology for the synthesis of peptides.
The candidate will develop new tools for Tag-assisted Liquid-Phase Peptide Synthesis (LPPS)
The candidate will develop green processes for solid-phase peptide synthesis
The candidate will be synthesizing peptides for medicinal chemistry programs
The candidate will be scientifically independent
The candidate will be helping Master and Ph.D. students.
Position Location
Peptide Science Laboratory at the School of Chemistry & Physics (Westville Campus; University of KwaZulu-Natal)

Duration of the Contract: Two years

Salary: Similar to the NRF post-doctoral salary R250.000-300.000 per year (R20.833-25.000 per month).

Dealine for submission: Before July 1, 2025, submit CV, motivation letter (one page) and two references (email address) to Fernando Albericio (albericio@ukzn.ac.za) and Beatriz G. de la Torre
(garciadelatorreb@ukzn.ac.za).