PostDoc - Interaction of Bioactive Metalloflavin Complexes with Biological Macromolecules (Open)

Research Project In recent years, the Salassa group has developed catalytic reactions in which flavins act as photocatalysts to enable the activation of anticancer metal complexes, including clinically approved drugs (see, for example: Chem. Sci., 2017, 8, 4619–4625; Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 2018, 57, 3143–3147; Chem. Sci., 2022, 13, 59–67; Chem Catalysis, 2023, 3, 1–14).

The present project focuses on the development of new flavin-based metal complexes capable of interacting with nucleic acids and other biological macromolecules, providing new strategies for the design of anticancer agents as well as catalytic drugs that can function in biological environments.

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with a background in bioinorganic chemistry and, ideally, in the biochemistry of nucleic acids. The successful candidate should have experience in the synthesis of organic and inorganic compounds and a strong interest in studying their interactions with biological macromolecules. Experience with spectroscopic methods for biomolecular interaction studies is essential. Knowledge of computational methods applied to biological systems is advantageous but not required.

The successful candidate will work in a multidisciplinary research environment at the interface of bioinorganic chemistry, chemical biology, and spectroscopy, and will contribute to:

• The synthesis and purification of organic and inorganic metalloflavin complexes
• The characterization of their interactions with DNA, RNA, and other biological macromolecules
• The development of spectroscopic studies to investigate binding modes and reactivity in biologically relevant environments

Key techniques will include:

• Organic and inorganic synthesis
• NMR spectroscopy
• UV–Vis spectroscopy
• Luminescence spectroscopy
• Circular dichroism
• Other analytical and spectroscopic methods as required
• Computational methods applied to biological systems (advantageous)

• Estimated annual gross salary: Salary is commensurate with qualifications and consistent with our pay scales
• Target start date: 2026/06/01

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.

Salassa Group (Inorganic Photocheistry Lab) - https://lucasalassa.wixsite.com/salassa

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: 2026/19
• Application deadline: 2026/04/21
• 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 (40%)
• Adequacy of the candidate’s scientific background to the project (40%)
• 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.

Este contrato es parte del proyecto de I+D+i  PID2022-139267OB-I00, financiado por MICIU/AEI /10.13039/501100011033 y por FEDER, UE