Postdoctoral Scholarship In Chemical Glycobiology

Umeå University’s Department of Chemistry invites applications for a two‑year postdoctoral scholarship within the project “Tumor‑Associated Glycopeptides as Potential Therapeutic and Diagnostic Cancer Targets”. The position is funded by the Kempe Foundations and offers a tax‑free stipend of SEK 360,000 per year. The successful candidate will work on the design and synthesis of tumor‑associated glycopeptides and glycopeptide‑based vaccine constructs aimed at eliciting antibodies for future immunotherapy and diagnostic applications.

The scientific background centers on mucins, heavily glycosylated proteins that are overexpressed in cancer. Altered glycosylation on these proteins creates tumor‑associated carbohydrate antigens (TACAs) that serve as promising targets. The project will involve the synthesis of mucin‑like glycopeptides, their immobilization on microarray slides, and subsequent epitope mapping using raised antibodies. Binding studies with immune regulatory lectins (carbohydrate‑binding proteins) implicated in cancer progression will also be performed.

Technical work includes automated Fmoc‑solid phase peptide synthesis (Fmoc‑SPPS), enzymatic synthesis, and protecting group chemistry. Purification and characterization will rely on silica column chromatography, analytical and preparative HPLC, NMR spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry. Microarray analysis will be employed for high‑throughput glycan‑protein binding profiling, while antibody titers will be measured by ELISA. The candidate will therefore acquire a broad skill set spanning synthetic carbohydrate chemistry, biophysical assays, and immunological techniques.

Applicants must hold a doctoral degree (or equivalent) in carbohydrate synthesis, bioorganic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, chemical biology, or a closely related field. Preference is given to candidates who obtained their PhD within the last three years, with possible extensions for justified circumstances such as illness, parental leave, or clinical practice. A strong background in carbohydrate chemistry is required, while prior experience in glycopeptide synthesis or microarray analysis is considered meriting but not mandatory.

Applications must be submitted via Umeå University’s e‑recruitment system Varbi (https://umustipendie.varbi.com/en:what:job/jobID:944552/) by 26 July 2026. Required documents include a cover letter, CV with publication list, degree certificate, transcripts, thesis copy, up to three relevant articles, and contact information for two referees. All materials should be in English and provided as Word or PDF files. The anticipated start date is 1 September 2026, or by mutual agreement.

This scholarship offers an excellent opportunity to work at the interface of chemistry and cancer immunology, gain hands‑on experience with cutting‑edge synthetic and analytical methods, and contribute to the development of novel glycopeptide‑based therapeutic strategies.