Senior Research Associate in Translational Biophysical Chemistry and Imaging (Fixed Term)

University of Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 48,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Cambridge invites applications for a Senior Research Associate to join a translational research programme in the Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry. The project focuses on imaging-based drug discovery for neurodegenerative disease, leveraging quantitative single-molecule imaging to study protein assemblies and compound effects.

The successful candidate will develop assays, run screening, analyze large datasets and engage with academic and industry partners to translate findings

Qualifications

• PhD in chemistry, biophysics, biochemistry, neuroscience or related discipline.
• Substantial postdoctoral or equivalent research experience.
• Expertise in quantitative biological or biophysical research.

Responsibilities

• Develop and validate quantitative single-molecule imaging assays for protein aggregation.
• Establish reproducible workflows for higher-throughput screening.
• Perform screening experiments and develop quantitative approaches to classify responses.
• Build robust analysis pipelines for large imaging datasets.
• Coordinate research with collaborators and external partners.

Skills

Single molecule imaging

Quantitative analysis

High-throughput screening

Communication

Education

PhD in chemistry/biophysics/biochemistry/neuroscience

Tools

Python

Image analysis pipelines

Job description

Fixed term: Funds are available for 12 months in the first instance.Applications are invited for a Senior Research Associate to work with Professor Steven F. Lee in the Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge.The post forms part of a translational research programme developing an imaging based drug discovery platform for neurodegenerative disease. Using quantitative single molecule imaging, the programme will characterise small protein assemblies and determine how candidate compounds alter their formation, structure and abundance. The initial focus is alpha synuclein aggregation in Parkinson's disease.The programme will develop, miniaturise and validate a higher throughput assay, undertake compound screening and generate quantitative datasets linking compound treatment to changes in protein assembly. Working with Cambridge researchers and external academic and translational partners, the successful applicant will help develop the technology into a robust, externally deployable drug discovery platform.The successful applicant will take substantial independent responsibility for:Developing and validating quantitative single molecule imaging assays for protein aggregation.Establishing reproducible workflows for higher throughput compound screening.Performing screening experiments and developing quantitative approaches to classify and prioritise compound responses.Building robust analysis pipelines for large imaging datasets and interpreting and presenting results.Coordinating research across academic collaborators and external partners.Working with commercial suppliers and technology partners to integrate compound libraries, instrumentation and assay formats.Contributing to publications, funding applications and scientific leadership.A central aim is to establish a commercially credible opportunity with a clear route to market. The successful applicant will refine the customer proposition, test the business model and undertake customer discovery with pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies and contract research organisations. They will also contribute to intellectual property strategy and commercial positioning, building an evidence base around assay performance, workflow, cost and differentiation.Applicants should hold a PhD in chemistry, biophysics, biochemistry, neuroscience or a related discipline, with substantial postdoctoral or equivalent research experience and expertise in quantitative biological or biophysical research. Experience in single molecule microscopy, advanced fluorescence microscopy, protein aggregation, neurodegeneration, high throughput screening or quantitative image analysis would be particularly valuable.Applicants must demonstrate scientific independence, experience of working across disciplinary boundaries and responsibility for complex research projects. Experience involving external organisations, technology translation, innovation, commercialisation, industry engagement or research strategy would be advantageous.The successful applicant will contribute to the programme's strategic direction and represent the project in discussions with academic, commercial and translational partners. Excellent communication, organisational and project management skills are essential.The post offers an opportunity to combine advanced physical chemistry, neurodegeneration research and drug discovery, contributing directly to the translation of single molecule technologies towards therapeutic discovery.Please ensure that you upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV), a covering letter 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 informal enquiries, please contact Professor Steven Lee at [e-mail] quote reference MA51403 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.The School of Physical Sciences holds an Athena Swan Silver Award which recognises and supports progress in gender equality.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