The group of Dr. Javier Montenegro is seeking for a Postdoctoral associate with strong background in
inorganic synthesis for the preparation of new metal boron clusters with applications as conceptually
new membrane carriers. This is an excellent opportunity to join the Montenegro lab and work in a
multidisciplinary team in a great challenge for the development of a completely new field of research.
The aim of the project is to prepare new metal and boron clusters for their application as chaotropic
membrane transporters.
DESCRIPTION
Chaotropic membrane transport is a completely new research field (see references) with an
outstanding potential to revolutionize the fields of membrane transport and drug delivery. We are now
exploring new intriguing properties and mechanisms of chaotropic membrane transport and we
advance towards the use of new boron clusters for their future implementation in therapeutic delivery.
The applicant will be involved in the synthesis of new boron and other metal clusters for their
connections to different organic molecules (e.g. fluorescent probes, antimicrobials) and their
subsequent intracellular delivery by chaotropic transport.
REQUIREMENTS
We seek motivated candidates with initiative, creativity and team-working ability and with a PhD in
Inorganic Chemistry and metal cluster synthesis.
Experience in organic synthesis and/or supramolecular chemistry will be highly considered.
Good communication skills and proficiency in written and spoken English are essential.
REFERENCES
- Boron clusters as broadband membrane carriers. Nature 2022, 603, 637–642.
- Synthetic materials at the forefront of gene delivery, Nat. Rev. Chem. 2018, 2, 258-277.
- Peptide/Cas9 Nano-structures for Ribonucleoprotein Cell Membrane Transport and Gene
Edition. Chem. Sci., 2017, 8, 7923-7931.
STARTING DATE AND TERM
Starting from January 2024 (flexible), 1 year of contract with possible 1 + 1 (3 years total) extension.
APPLICATIONS
Applications should be sent directly to patricia.lago.rama@rai.usc.es and javier.montenegro@usc.es,
as soon as possible and including a CV (maximum 2 pages), a complete list of publications and the name
and the e-mail of two contact persons, indicating in the subject Postdoctoral Inorganic Clusters.
Full offer here.