Academic ConnectDescription
Research Associate in Chemical Biology
Job number
NAT01988
Faculties
Faculty of Natural Sciences
Departments
Department of Chemistry
Salary or Salary range
£48,056 - £56,345 per annum
Location/campus
White City Campus - On site only
Contract type work pattern
Full time - Fixed term
Posting End Date
27 Aug 2025
About the role
We are looking for a researcher in chemical biology to contribute to developing an exciting new cyclic peptide discovery approach to make inhibitors of therapeutically relevant, intrinsically disordered proteins during translation. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of an ongoing collaboration between the Walport laboratory and Dr David Balchin’s laboratory at the Francis Crick Institute.
What you would be doing
This post is to work in the Walport lab based at the Molecular Sciences Research Hub within the Chemistry Department at Imperial College London, whilst collaborating closely with the Balchin Lab based at the Francis Crick Institute. The Walport lab is a highly interdisciplinary lab that uses a wide variety of techniques, spanning from synthetic and peptide chemistry to cell biology, to produce peptide-based chemical tools to study biomedically important proteins. Dr Balchin’s laboratory focuses on understanding the mechanisms of protein biogenesis on the ribosome using biochemical reconstitution and structural proteomics.
You will have the opportunity to work between both laboratories and will apply a wide range of techniques in peptide chemistry, protein biochemistry, chemical biology, biophysics and cell biology.
You will join a vibrant research group to develop cyclic peptide inhibitors of a challenging intrinsically disordered drug target. You will carry out novel research employing an mRNA-display-based peptide discovery platform, the RaPID system, to discover tools to modulate the production of this and other proteins during ribosomal translation. Your work will involve generation of ribosome-bound cotranslational folding intermediates, mRNA-display screening, cyclic peptide synthesis and optimisation, optimising these tools for cellular delivery, and applying these tools in a range of structural, biochemical and cellular assays. You will work closely with researchers at the Francis Crick Institute.
What we are looking for
We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic chemical biologist. This project will be multidisciplinary, involving synthetic and peptide chemistry, biophysical characterisation of peptide hits, structural biology and cell biology. We are therefore seeking someone with experience in a selection of these techniques and a willingness to learn others as dictated by the project. Experience with the synthesis, optimisation and testing of peptides is essential and experience with mRNA display screening, general molecular biology approaches and biophysical/biochemical assay would be desirable.
What we can offer you
- The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity.
- Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days off a year and generous pension schemes).
- Access to a range of workplace benefits including a flexible working policy from day 1, generous family leave packages, interest-free season ticket loan schemes for travel and a cycle-to-work scheme
- Be part of a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources designed to support your personal and professional wellbeing
Further information
This is a full time, fixed term post until 30 September 2027. The expected start date is 01 October 2025 or as soon as possible after this.
To apply for the position, please complete the online application form.
We anticipate holding interviews on 11 and 12 September 2025.
Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will initially be appointed as Research Assistant.
If you require any further details on the role please contact: Dr Louise Walport – l.walport@imperial.ac.uk.
The Department of Chemistry proudly holds an Athena SWAN Gold Award and strives to provide a working environment where all our staff feel fully supported to flourish and excel. The Department of Chemistry is committed to promoting the wide range of Family Friendly policies and associated initiatives offered by the College.
Available documents
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Please note that job descriptions are not exhaustive, and you may be asked to take on additional duties that align with the key responsibilities mentioned above.
We reserve the right to close the advert prior to the closing date stated should we receive a high volume of applications. It is therefore advisable that you submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
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