Research Assistant/Associate in Chemical Biology

Newcastle University; England; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading University in England seeks a postdoctoral researcher in Chemical Biology. Join a multidisciplinary team focused on advancing mRNA-display technology for therapeutically relevant proteins. Ideal candidates are experts in molecular biology or peptide chemistry, with opportunities for significant innovation and development.

Benefits

Generous holiday package

Health and wellbeing initiatives

Pension schemes

Qualifications

• Experience in mRNA-display, phage display, or DNA-encoded libraries.
• Strong background in peptide and protein chemistry.
• Excellent communication skills in English.

Responsibilities

• Conduct mRNA display techniques to identify cyclic peptides.
• Support supervision and training of PhD students.
• Contribute to technology platform innovation.

Skills

Molecular Biology

Protein Chemistry

Peptide Chemistry

Next-Generation Sequencing

Bioinformatics

Education

PhD in Biochemistry/Chemistry/Chemical Biology

Tools

Mass Spectrometry

Bio-layer Interferometry

Isothermal Titration Calorimetry

Job description

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Research Assistant/Associate in Chemical Biology

Requisition ID: 28189

Location:

Newcastle, GB

Contract Type: Fixed Term

Working Pattern: Full Time

Posted Date: 19 May 2025

Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits . We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.

The Role

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join our team working on a cutting-edge cyclic peptide mRNA display platform under the supervision of Professor Akane Kawamura ( ). You will play an active role in advancing and evolving this technology to expand its capabilities, with a primary focus on developing ligands and tool compounds targeting therapeutically relevant proteins.

The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in encoded library design/ screening or other selection techniques. A strong background in molecular biology, protein and peptide chemistry, next-generation sequencing (NGS), and bioinformatics analysis is highly desirable.

You will join a multidisciplinary team of approximately 15 experienced chemists, chemical biologists, and molecular/cell biologists based in recently refurbished, state-of-the-art chemical biology laboratories at Newcastle University. The role may involve supporting the supervision and training of PhD students. Strong time management skills, the ability to work independently, and a collaborative mindset are essential, particularly when working with both internal and external collaborators.

The position is for a fixed term of 12 months, full time (37 hours per week).

Start dates and flexible working are negotiable. We are committed to building and maintaining a fair and inclusive working environment.

For more information on the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, please click here .

To apply, please complete the online application and attach your CV and a covering letter. In your covering letter, please outline how you are either working towards, meet or exceed all of the essential requirements for the role holder as outlined below.

Key Accountabilities
• Carry out mRNA display techniques to identify cyclic peptides with suitable affinity and binding modes for development into chemical tools to investigate biological questions
• Contribute to innovation of the technology platform towards more efficient hit identification
• Contribute to the smooth running of the group, acting as a source of advice and information. Provide supervision for other group members, assisting them in planning their research and giving specialised training as required
• Ensure intellectual rigour and adherence to robust ethical standards to maintain integrity of research

The Person (Essential)

Knowledge, Skills and Experience
• Have expertise using 'display' screening techniques such as mRNA-display, phage display, DNA-encoded libraries or similar
• Experience in peptide / protein chemistry, molecular biology and next-generation sequencing
• A background including biophysical techniques (such as isothermal titration calorimetry, bio-layer interferometry or surface plasmon resonance), mass spectrometry, analysis of protein structures or enzymology
• Be able to demonstrate a high level of expertise and success in the previous research areas, e.g. by an excellent publication (or papers in press or equivalent) track record in high quality peer reviewed journals. Evidence will be sought of a deep understanding of the applicant's previous fields of research and evidence of independent intellectual and practical contributions to previous research projects, as indicators that such attributes can be brought to bear on present projects and the development of future projects.
• Have an excellent general knowledge of related areas through reading of the literature, online database searching, and attendance at seminars and conferences
• Have excellent communication skills in English in writing and in oral and visual presentations
• Ensure research and record keeping is carried out in accordance with good practice, Scientific Integrity and in compliance with local policies and any legal requirements
• Show an ability to undertake research with a high degree of independence, manage your own research and report on progress at regular intervals
• Desirable: Strong programming skills (in Python, R or similar) and experience with large-scale data analysis using bioinformatic tools and pipelines to analyse and interpret biological data

Attributes and Behaviour
• Be viewed as a motivated, enthusiastic, organised self-starter; one who can work with a high degree of independence and work well with others but at the same time extract the benefits of an excellent research environment
• Take an active role in keeping the laboratory running by assuming a share of group responsibilities, cultivate a positive and supportive working environment and directly educate more junior co-workers working on related projects
• Be willing to learn new techniques and apply them in an interdisciplinary research environment in an autonomous manner
• Be able to work as part of a team and interact extensively with other researchers, and take part in joint projects through co-operation and the exchange of information and skills
• Be willing to participate in group journal clubs and workshops as a means to continuously improve technical and theoretical knowledge. Ability to obtain information from literature and from colleagues and integrate this into developing and optimizing work procedures. Be a source of information on scientific protocols and experimental techniques

Qualifications
Essential for Research Assistant Position:
• Studying for (or have submitted a PhD thesis) a PhD in Biochemistry/Chemistry/Chemical Biology or a related area
Essential for Research Associate Position:
• Hold a completed and awarded PhD in Biochemistry/Chemistry/Chemical Biology or a related area

Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.

We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population.

At Newcastle University we hold a silverAthena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC. We are a Disability Confident employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme.

In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe.