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Research Associate - Chemical Biologist (Fixed Term)

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Research Associate - Chemical Biologist (Fixed Term)

Postdoctoral Research Associate

4 June 2026

Location

Cambridge

University of Cambridge

Type

Fixed Term (2 years)

Start Date

Immediately available

Salary

£33,002 - £46,049

Required Qualifications

PhD in relevant discipline
Chemical biology background
Nucleic acids interest
Small molecule design/synthesis
Biochemistry
Molecular biology
Nucleic acid-protein interactions

Research Areas

Chemical Biology
Nucleic Acids
G-Quadruplexes
Cancer Targets
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Research Associate - Chemical Biologist (Fixed Term)

Research Associate - Chemical Biologist (Fixed Term)

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 2 years in the first instance.

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral chemical biologist to work with Professor Sir Shankar Balasubramanian on the chemical biology of nucleic acids, funded by Cancer Research UK. The successful applicant will work on an interdisciplinary project to elucidate the function of four-stranded DNA G-quadruplexes and to investigate their potential as molecular targets of cancer. See DOI: 10.1016/j.trechm.2019.07.002, DOI: 10.1038/s41557-025-01792-1, DOI: 110.1073/pnas.2320240121 and https://www.balasubramanian.co.uk for further information.

Applicants must have a background in chemical biology, with strong interest in nucleic acids. Experience in small molecule design/synthesis, biochemistry, molecular biology and nucleic acid-protein interactions would be desirable. We seek a motivated individual with good communication skills and a capacity for innovation and creativity, who is able to work well as part of a multi-disciplinary team.

Candidates should have (or be about to receive) a PhD in a relevant discipline. The position is available immediately.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Please ensure that you upload a 2-page Curriculum Vitae (CV), a covering letter that explains your motivations for the position and publications list in the Upload section of the online application. If you upload any additional documents that have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.

For queries regarding this post, please contact Jo Lockhart, Science Administrator to the Balasubramanian group, email: BalasubramanianRecruitment@ch.cam.ac.uk.

Please quote reference MA49598 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The Department holds an Athena SWAN silver award for women in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Apply online

Key information

Department/location

Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry

Salary

£33,002-£46,049

Reference

MA49598

Category

Research

Date published

1 May 2026

Closing date

4 June 2026

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Frequently Asked Questions

🎓What qualifications are required for this Research Associate - Chemical Biologist position?

Candidates must hold or be about to receive a PhD in a relevant discipline, with a strong background in chemical biology and interest in nucleic acids. Desirable experience includes small molecule design/synthesis, biochemistry, molecular biology, and nucleic acid-protein interactions. For more on postdoctoral success, see our guide on postdoctoral roles. Explore similar postdoc jobs.

📝How do I apply for this Chemical Biologist postdoc at University of Cambridge?

Click the 'Apply' button to register and submit online. Upload a 2-page CV, covering letter explaining motivations, and publications list. Quote reference MA49598. Contact Jo Lockhart at BalasubramanianRecruitment@ch.cam.ac.uk for queries. Additional documents will not be considered. Use our free resume template and cover letter template to prepare.

💰What is the salary and employment duration for this role?

The salary is £33,002 - £46,049. This is a fixed-term position with funds available for 2 years in the first instance. Check professor salaries and university salaries for context on academic pay in the UK.

🔬What is the research focus of this Chemical Biology Research Associate position?

Work with Professor Sir Shankar Balasubramanian on the chemical biology of nucleic acids, elucidating four-stranded DNA G-quadruplexes and their potential as cancer molecular targets. Funded by Cancer Research UK. Relevant publications: DOI: 10.1016/j.trechm.2019.07.002. View research jobs or clinical research jobs for similar opportunities.

📅When is the closing date and start date for this University of Cambridge postdoc?

The closing date is 4 June 2026. The position is available immediately. The Department holds an Athena SWAN silver award supporting equality. University requires eligibility to live/work in the UK; visa sponsorship not mentioned. See research assistant jobs for more UK academic roles.

🤝What skills and team fit are needed for success in this role?

Seek motivated individuals with excellent communication skills, innovation, creativity, and ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team. Strong interest in chemical biology and nucleic acids essential. Learn how to excel via research assistant tips (adaptable to UK). Browse faculty jobs.
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