Research Associate

Imperial College London (ICL); Greater London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institution in Greater London is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to support a gut hormone receptor drug discovery program. The successful candidate will execute in vitro pharmacology and in vivo testing, employing innovative techniques like genetic library-based screening and GPCR signalling experiments. Ideal applicants will have a PhD focused on relevant pharmacology and experience in drug discovery. This role includes a competitive salary and various workplace benefits in a collaborative environment.

Benefits

39 days off a year

Generous pension schemes

Flexible working policy

On-site leisure facilities

Cycle-to-work scheme

Interest-free season ticket loan

Qualifications

• PhD with strong focus on G protein coupled receptor pharmacology or drug discovery.
• Experience of designing, performing and analysing in vitro GPCR cell signalling assays.
• Knowledge of current therapeutic approaches to obesity, type 2 diabetes and gut motility disorders.

Responsibilities

• Lead on in vitro pharmacology and in vivo testing for drug discovery.
• Design, run, and analyze in vitro GPCR signalling and trafficking experiments.
• Contribute to the design of new therapeutic peptides targeting gut hormone receptors.

Skills

G protein coupled receptor pharmacology

In vitro GPCR cell signalling assays

Molecular biosensors design

Knowledge of therapeutic approaches to obesity

Organisational skills

Education

PhD in a relevant field

Job description

Faculty of Medicine, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction

Hammersmith Campus

About the role

We are seeking a high calibre Postdoctoral Research Associate to play a key role in a new gut hormone receptor drug discovery programme. The successful candidate will help lead on in vitro pharmacology and in vivo testing and will also be involved in peptide ligand design process alongside senior members of the team.

What you would be doing

Work will involve a combination of innovative techniques including genetic library-based screening, imaging and dedicated transgenic model organism work, plus interfacing with external CROs. You will lead on the design, running, and analysis of in vitro GPCR signalling and trafficking experiments e.g. using HTRF, BRET and fluorescence imaging. You will be involved in the implementation of a genetic library-based approach to evolution of bioactive gut hormone sequences, and you will also contribute to the design of new therapeutic peptides targeting gut hormone receptors.

What we are looking for

• PhD with strong focus on G protein coupled receptor pharmacology or drug discovery, ideally with a focus on metabolic disease or gut hormones
• Experience of designing, performing and analysing in vitro GPCR cell signalling assays to a high standard
• Experience of designing and optimising molecular biosensors e.g. for BRET, FRET
• Knowledge of current therapeutic approaches to obesity, type 2 diabetes and gut motility disorders
• Ability to organise own work with minimal supervision, use initiative and take responsibility

What we can offer you

• You will join a thriving and world‑leading group engaged in making and applying scientific discoveries in the gut hormone field with the aim of improving human health.
• The opportunity to continue your career at a world‑leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity
• Benefit from sector‑leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days off a year and generous pension schemes)
• Get access to a range of workplace benefits including a flexible working policy from day 1, generous family leave packages, on‑site leisure facilities and a cycle‑to‑work scheme
• Interest‑free season ticket loan schemes for travel
• 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 role based at our Hammersmith Campus.

If you require any further details on the role, please contact: Dr Ben Jones - [e-mail]

Apply: https://www.imperial.ac.uk/jobs/search-jobs/description/index.php?nPostingId=16995&nPostingTargetId=26502&id=PMMFK026203F3VBQB8NLOV4CQ&LG=UK&languageSelect=UK&mask=ext

Closing date: 8 January 2026