Research Assistant - Experimental and computational studies on novel chemical entities for the treatment of cholangiocarcinoma (Open)

The research project will carry out experimental physico-chemial studies aimed to the design, synthesis and validation of novel chemical entities with biological activity as chemotherapeutic agents. Cholangiocarconoma will be a particular biological target.

These studies will require the chemical sythesis and full characterization of organic molecules, as well as organometallic compunds.

Organic molecules will comprise privileged scaffolds such as penam bicyclic heterocycles, pyrrolidines, imidazo[5,1,2-cd]indolizines and beta-lactams. Organometallic complexes with include metals such as Pt(II), Ir(III) and Eu(III). The biological activity will be assessed in the ground state (chemotherapy) and excited states (singlets and triplets, for use in dynamic phototherapy). These molecules will be sent to the laboratories of ISCIII-BioGipuzkoa under the coordination of Ikerbasque Research Professor Jesus Bañales and to the University College London under the coordination of Prof. Pilar Acedo.

In parallel to the experimental studies, DFT calculations on the corresponding reaction mechanisms will be carried out. Hybrid dispersion-corrected functionals and adequate basis sets (including effective core potentials for the metallic centers) will be used,, as well as countinuum solvent methods with in the self-consistent reaction field approach. In addition, the most promising molecules will be analyzed by molecular modeling techniques, such as docking, molecular dynamics, QSAR (quantitative structure-activity relationship) and cADMET (computational adsorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity studies).

Expertise in synthetic organic and organometallic methods and purification techniques (HPLC) will be positively considered. Strong background in reaction mechanisms and spectroscopy (NMR, UV-Vis, fluorescence, EI-MS, HR-MS) will be greatly appreciated. Training in computational chemistry will be valued, but is not essential.

• Contract duration: 1 year (possibility to extend up to 4 years)
• Estimated annual gross salary: Salary is commensurate with qualifications and consistent with our pay scales
• Target start date: 2025/10/01

We provide a highly stimulating research environment, and unique professional career development opportunities.

We offer and promote a diverse and inclusive environment and welcomes applicants regardless of age, disability, gender, nationality, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity.

The laboratory of Prof. Fernando P. Cossío Mora provides access to state-of-the-art organic synthesis lab and characterization equipment, including a state-of-the-art organic chemistry research laboratory, which is equipped with advanced synthesis facilities, including fume hoods, Schlenk lines, gloveboxes, microwave and photochemical reactors and reaction setups. Purification is streamlined using automated flash chromatography, preparative HPLC, and rota evaporator distillation setups, high vacuum pumps for drying,, while characterization relies on NMR, FT-IR, UV-Vis, fluorescence, ESI-MASS, LC-MS, GC-MS melting point apparatus and alongside high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). Cutting-edge labs also incorporate computational tools like DFT simulations and are prioritized with solvent dispensers, gas detectors.

Prof. Fernando P. Cossío Mora is PI or coordinator of the following four EU-funded research and training programmes and actions and training projects: (1) ERC-SyG-951281 (BOLD, 01/04/2021-31/03/2027); (2) HE-EIC-PO022/03 (FUNAMBULIST, 01/05/2023-30/04/2026); (3) H2020-MSCA-EF20/03 (SN2DNA, 01/06/2021-3/05/2024). In addition, he has participated or participates in the following COST actions: (1) European Cholangiocarcinoma Network (EURO-CHOLANGIO-NET CA18122, 18/03/2019-17/09/2023); and (2) Precision Medicine in Biliary Tract Cancer (PRECISION-BTC-NETWORK CA22125, 09/10/2023-08/10/2027).

The biological validation experiments are coordinated in colboration with Prof. Jesus Bañales, from BioGipuzkoa.

Interested candidates should submit an updated CV and a brief statement of interest to the following application email below. 

Reference letters are welcome but not indispensable.

The reference of the specific opening to which the candidate is applying should be stated in the subject line, and the application must be received before the application deadline.

Although candidates are welcome to contact the project supervisors to know further details about the proposed research activity, please be aware that the application will be evaluated only if it is submitted directly to the email address listed below as application email.

• Reference: 2025/58
• Application deadline: 2025/09/25
• Application email: jobs.research@dipc.org

Applications received by the deadline will be evaluated by a Committee designed by the DIPC board on the basis of the following criteria:

• CV of the candidate (60%)
• Adequacy of the candidate’s scientific background to the project (20%)
• Reference letters (10%)
• Other: Diversity in gender, race, nationality, etc. (10%)

Evaluation results will be communicated to the candidates soon after. Positions will only be filled if qualified candidates are found.

The DIPC may revoke its decision if the candidate fails to join by the appointed time, in which case the position will be awarded to the candidate with the next highest score, provided it is above 50 (out of 100).

However, the selected candidate may keep the position if, in the opinion of the Selection Committee, the candidate duly justifies the reasons why he or she cannot join before the specified deadline, and as long as the project allows it.