The Peptide Science Laboratory at the School of Chemistry & Physics (University of KwaZulu-Natal) is seeking for a talented young Synthetic Peptide/Organic Chemist with experience in solution chemistry, if possible 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 R240.000 per year (R20.000 per month).

Submission

Before October 28, 2025, submit CV, motivation letter (one page) and two references (email address) to Ms Nokwanda Majola (MajolaN6@ukzn.ac.za)