UNIVERSITY OF THE WITWATERSRAND, JOHANNESBURG

Postdoctoral Research Fellowships - Chemistry

5 March 2013

We have an opportunity for two synthetic organic chemists to join the School of Chemistry at the University of the Witwatersrand as postdoctoral fellows for two years, with renewal after one year based on performance and progress. The successful applicants will work in a vibrant group comprising Professors Charles de Koning and Jo Michael, and Drs Moira Bode and Mandy Rousseau.

The positions will be available from July 2013, but an earlier starting date can be negotiated. The value of the Fellowships will be highly attractive and include a stipend of R 175 000, medical insurance of R 15 720, once off relocation costs of R 10 000 and running costs/conference fees of R13 500.

We have an opportunity for two synthetic organic chemists to join the School of Chemistry at the University of the Witwatersrand as postdoctoral fellows for two years, with renewal after one year based on performance and progress. The successful applicants will work in a vibrant group comprising Professors Charles de Koning and Jo Michael, and Drs Moira Bode and Mandy Rousseau.

The positions will be available from July 2013, but an earlier starting date can be negotiated. The value of the Fellowships will be highly attractive and include a stipend of R 175 000, medical insurance of R 15 720, once off relocation costs of R 10 000 and running costs/conference fees of 13 500.

The projects will involve the following:

(1) The synthesis of organic compounds that display anti-malarial activity. The project will be undertaken in collaboration with Dr JJ Omolo at the National Institute for Medical Research in Tanzania.

(2) The exploration of unusual reactions of enaminones, with a view to applications in the total synthesis of alkaloids.

Keywords:

Organic synthesis, Antimalarials; Alkaloids; Johannesburg (South Africa); Postdoc

Minimum requirements:

  1. A PhD obtained within the last 5 years;
  2. Thorough theoretical and practical knowledge of organic synthesis, with expertise in method development and execution of complex multi-step reaction sequences. Experience in the use of transition metals in organic synthesis will be an advantage.

Duties and Expectations:

  1. Undertake focused and high quality research;
  2. Undertake other activities related to the academic programme and the professional development of the individual.

Contact:

Send your CV directly to the potential hosts, Prof Charles de Koning for project 1, and Prof Jo Michael for project 2.

Email: Charles.deKoning@wits.ac.za; Joseph.michael@wits.ac.za