Job opportunities 

POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH 

Code: POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH

Purpose of the position

The University of Campinas (UNICAMP) and the Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) are seeking two highly motivated organic/medicinal chemists to join the UNICAMP team and contribute to projects focused on Chagas disease and schistosomiasis. This work is part of the broader MINDI consortium, supported by the Research Support Partnership Program for Technological Innovation (PITE-FAPESP 25/01873-5).

The major goals of this multidisciplinary initiative are:

• To deliver high-quality preclinical candidates for the treatment of parasitic diseases.
• Contribute to translational science as part of a world-class academic drug discovery center for tropical diseases in Latin America.

Chagas disease

Chagas disease, also known as American trypanosomiasis, is a potentially life-threatening disease caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. It is most commonly transmitted by biting insects known as ‘kissing bugs’ that are infected with the parasite. As people typically show no symptoms for many years, most are unaware they have Chagas.

Up to a third of people with Chagas will suffer heart damage that becomes evident only many years later and can lead to progressive heart failure or sudden death. Chagas kills more people in Latin America each year than any other parasitic disease, including malaria.

Schistosomiasis

More than 185 million people are infected with schistosomiasis, and over 250 million people are at risk of infection. The disease is caused by parasitic worms of the genus Schistosoma and is transmitted through contact with contaminated freshwater sources such as rivers, ponds, lakes, and streams. Different clinical forms of schistosomiasis occur depending on the organs and body systems most affected.

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Successful candidates are expected to play a leading role within their respective projects and work closely with scientists, consultants, and DNDi staff across several disciplines, including medicinal chemistry, parasitology, DMPK, and safety. The positions offer unique opportunities to collaborate with leading drug discovery scientists from both academia and industry.

The current tax-free monthly stipend is R$ 12.570,00, plus initial moving allowance, as per FAPESP regulations. The fellowships are for an initial period of two years, with the possibility of extension for a third year. Applications are welcome from both Brazilian and international candidates. And the applicant should consider January 2027 as the fellowship start date.

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Application

Applicants should submit the following documents:

• Cover letter describing their interest in the position.
• Current curriculum vitae, including publications demonstrating their ability to conduct the proposed research.
• Two letters of recommendation.

Application documents (PDF format) should be sent to Prof. Luiz Carlos Dias (UNICAMP), at ldias@unicamp.br

Application deadline: August 31, 2026

Specific job responsibilities

• Design and synthesis of target molecules and synthetic routes
• Data analysis, presentation and reporting including scientific discussions with a multidisciplinary team from diverse cultural and technical backgrounds
• Contribute to the day-to-day management of the laboratory and supervising junior scientists, including postgraduate and undergraduate students

Job requirements

• PhD in Organic Synthesis, Medicinal Chemistry, or a related field (candidates must have obtained their degree within the last seven years).
• Outstanding record of scientific achievement, in accordance with FAPESP standards and rules (item 6.1)
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English

Skills and attributes

• Previous hands-on experience in medicinal chemistry and drug discovery in academic and/or industrial settings.
• Experience in working in collaborative and multidisciplinary teams.
• Demonstrated international research experience.

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https://mindi.iqm.unicamp.br/vagas/postdoctoral-project-leader-position/