Paid Internship in Carbohydrate Chemistry at the University of Basel (6 Months, 100%)
University of Basel is inviting applications for a paid six-month internship in Carbohydrate Chemistry within the Molecular Pharmacy group at the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences. Starting in Summer 2026 (or by mutual agreement), this full-time internship offers a valuable opportunity to gain practical experience in organic synthesis, compound characterization, and early-stage drug discovery research.
For students and recent graduates interested in medicinal chemistry and pharmaceutical sciences, this position provides hands-on laboratory training in one of Switzerland’s leading research universities. The paid internship in Carbohydrate Chemistry at the University of Basel offers an excellent opportunity to build advanced synthetic chemistry skills in a top-tier pharmaceutical research environment. For aspiring medicinal chemists and pharmaceutical scientists, this six-month position combines rigorous laboratory training, multidisciplinary collaboration, and valuable exposure to early-stage drug discovery.
About the Molecular Pharmacy Group
The Molecular Pharmacy group focuses on the earliest stages of drug discovery, combining chemistry, biology, and pharmaceutical science to develop new therapeutic strategies.
Research activities span:
- Target identification and validation
- Drug design and molecular optimization
- Compound synthesis and characterization
- Protein engineering
- Assay development
- Interaction analysis
The group operates in a highly collaborative, multidisciplinary environment where chemists and life scientists work together on innovative research questions.
Internship Project: Carbohydrate Chemistry and Organic Synthesis
The internship centers on the synthesis of carbohydrate-derived building blocks, including mono- and disaccharides used in pharmaceutical research.
Interns will gain experience with:
- Protective group strategies
- Organic synthesis workflows
- Purification techniques
- Structural characterization
- Data interpretation
This project is particularly well suited to candidates interested in synthetic organic chemistry, glycochemistry, and medicinal chemistry.
Main Responsibilities
As an intern, you will contribute to both research and laboratory operations.
Key duties include:
- Synthesizing mono- and disaccharide building blocks
- Characterizing compounds using 1D and 2D NMR
- Performing mass spectrometry analysis
- Maintaining and troubleshooting laboratory equipment
- Supporting laboratory organization and safety procedures
- Compiling, analyzing, and presenting experimental results
Skills You Will Develop
This internship offers intensive practical training in:
- Carbohydrate chemistry
- Organic synthesis
- Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy
- Mass spectrometry (MS)
- Scientific data analysis
- Laboratory management and safety
These skills are highly relevant for careers in pharmaceutical R&D, academic research, and biotechnology.
Candidate Profile
The University of Basel is seeking motivated and detail-oriented candidates.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants should be:
- Currently enrolled in a BSc or MSc programme, or
- Recent graduates in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related field
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience in organic synthesis
- Strong interest in medicinal or synthetic chemistry
- Ability to work effectively in a team
- Good written and spoken English
Internship Funding and Employment Conditions
This internship is:
- Paid
- Full-time (100%)
- Fixed-term for six months
- Based in Basel, Switzerland
Compensation follows the salary guidelines of the University of Basel.
Research Environment: Pharmazentrum Basel
The position is based at the Pharmazentrum, one of Switzerland’s premier centers for pharmaceutical research.
The facility offers:
- Modern synthetic chemistry laboratories
- Advanced NMR and analytical infrastructure
- Collaborative research teams
- Exposure to cutting-edge pharmaceutical science
Basel is also home to a world-leading life sciences ecosystem, including major pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.
Why This Internship Is Worth Considering
This opportunity offers several advantages:
- Paid full-time research experience
- Intensive training in carbohydrate chemistry
- Access to state-of-the-art analytical tools
- Exposure to multidisciplinary drug discovery research
- Strong preparation for graduate study or industry careers
- Location in one of Europe’s top biotech hubs
Application Deadline
Applications submitted before 1 June 2026 will receive full consideration.
The position will remain open until filled.
Required Application Documents
Applicants should submit:
- Motivation letter
- Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Brief summary of previous laboratory or research experience (maximum one page)
- Contact details for two references
- Applications must be submitted through the APPLY NOW
Contact Information
For scientific or administrative questions, contact: Rachel Hevey
Email: rachel.hevey@unibas.ch
Who Should Apply?
This internship is particularly suitable for students and graduates interested in:
- Organic synthesis
- Carbohydrate chemistry
- Medicinal chemistry
- Pharmaceutical sciences
- Drug discovery
- Analytical chemistry
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is this internship paid?
Yes. The internship is fully paid according to University of Basel salary guidelines.
How long is the internship?
The position lasts six months.
When does the internship start?
Summer 2026, with flexibility based on mutual agreement.
Is prior organic synthesis experience required?
It is not mandatory, but previous laboratory experience in organic synthesis is advantageous.
Which analytical techniques will be used?
The project involves 1D and 2D NMR, mass spectrometry, and other characterization methods.
Can international applicants apply?
Yes. Candidates from any country may apply if they meet the academic requirements.
What is the application deadline?
Applications received before 1 June 2026 receive full consideration.
Where is the internship located?
At the Pharmazentrum, University of Basel, Switzerland.
What level of study is required?
Applicants should be BSc or MSc students or recent graduates.
What documents are required?
A motivation letter, CV, research summary, and two references.
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