Research Associate in Chemistry - London

Imperial College London; London; On-site; GBP 48,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in London seeks a Research Associate in Chemistry to conduct novel research in synthetic chemistry and DNA encoded library screening technologies. The successful candidate will join a vibrant research group, engaging in interdisciplinary projects focused on peptide discovery. This is a full-time position offering a competitive salary and benefits, with an expected start date of October 1, 2025.

Benefits

39 days off a year

Generous pension schemes

Interest-free season ticket loan for travel

Cycle-to-work scheme

Qualifications

• Strong experience in synthetic chemistry.
• Understanding of various chemical biology techniques.
• Willingness to learn new approaches as needed.

Responsibilities

• Carry out novel research using DNA encoded library screening technologies.
• Develop and optimize peptide-based chemical tools.
• Join a small sub-team to develop peptide discovery approaches.

Skills

Synthetic chemistry

Chemical biology approaches

Peptide inhibitors development

Work with DNA encoded libraries

Education

PhD in Chemistry or related field

Job description

Research Associate in Chemistry

Job Type: Full-Time.

Starting Salary: £48056 - £56345 per annum plus benefits

To find out more about the job please click the apply for job' button to be taken to Imperial job site

About the role

We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic researcher in chemistry to carry out novel research employing DNA encoded library screening technologies. Your work will involve developing and applying new approaches to chemically modifying mRNA-display cyclic peptide libraries. You will apply this approach to peptide-based probe development for a wide range of challenging protein targets.

The project is funded by cPTM-DISPLAY which was selected for an ERC Starting Grant and is now funded by a UKRI Guarantee Funding for Horizon Europe ERC grants ( ).

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. 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.

You will join a vibrant research group as part of a small sub-team working to develop cPTM-DISPLAY - a new DNA encoded peptide discovery approach. The project will involve synthesising DNA-barcoded chemical reagents; developing and optimising new peptide selection schemes to identify candidate peptides; biophysical and structural characterisation of identified peptides; lead peptide optimisation; and peptide characterisation and testing. The project will be multidisciplinary, involving synthetic and peptide chemistry, biophysical characterisation of peptide hits, biochemical assays and potential to extend into structural biology and cell biology.

What we are looking for

We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic synthetic chemist or chemical biologist. You will have strong experience in synthetic chemistry, an understanding and experience of a range of chemical biology approaches and a willingness to learn others as dictated by the project. Experience with the development, optimisation and testing of peptide inhibitors or other chemical probes and working with DNA encoded libraries or other synthetic approaches involving nucleic acids is 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 position 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 - .

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.