Senior Research Associate (RA2422)

UEA; Norwich; Hybrid; GBP 39,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

44 days annual leave

Hybrid working

Pension scheme

Health & wellbeing facilities

Campus facilities discounts

LinkedIn Learning access

Job summary

University of East Anglia invites applications for a Senior Research Associate in the School of Chemistry, Pharmacy and Pharmacology. The role involves designing and synthesising novel molecules, evaluating biological activity, and interpreting results. You will contribute to grant applications and may supervise researchers and teach students.

Fixed-term 17 months from 1 January 2027. Applicants should hold a PhD in medicinal chemistry or related subject, with a strong publication record and

Qualifications

• PhD in medicinal chemistry or related subject.
• Experience of independent research and publications in respected journals.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to work in a team and in a high-paced environment.
• Advanced skills relevant to the research area and experience teaching small classes or supervising practices would be advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Conduct studies on development of new molecules with potential in treating chronic inflammatory diseases.
• Design and synthesis of small molecules and peptides; study their biological activity.
• Analyse and interpret data, write up results and present research progress and outcomes.
• Contribute to grant applications and may supervise researchers and teach students within the School.

Skills

Independent research

Data analysis

Interpersonal communication

Teamwork

Education

PhD in medicinal chemistry or related subject

Job description

School of Chemistry, Pharmacy and Pharmacology

Salary of £38,784 with an annual increment up to £46,049 per annum.

Faculty of Science

School of Chemistry, Pharmacy and Pharmacology

Senior Research Associate

Ref: RA2422

Salary on appointment will be £38,784 per annum, with an annual increment up to £46,049 per annum.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Senior Research Associate to join the School of Chemistry, Pharmacy and Pharmacology to conduct studies on the development of new molecules that have potential in the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases. Working with Professor Mark Searcey and Professor Maria O'Connell, the post will involve the design and synthesis of small molecules and peptides and the study of their biological activity.

As a Senior Research Associate you will be associated with a particular project and will contribute ideas and/or enhancement of techniques or methodologies. You will analyse and interpret data, write up results and present information on research progress and outcomes. You will also have the opportunity to contribute to grant applications and may be involved in the supervision of researchers and teaching of students within the School.

You will have a PhD in medicinal chemistry or a related subject, equivalent qualification or experience in a relevant research area. You will also have experience of independent research, have publications in respected journals or equivalent within the field and be able to work in a proactive and results driven manner in a high paced environment. You will also have strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to analyse and interpret data and work effectively as part of a team. Advanced skills directly relating to this research area and experience teaching small classes and/or overseeing practices would be advantageous.

This full-time post is available on a fixed term basis from 1 January 2027 for 17 months.

We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone can thrive. We particularly welcome applicants who have a disability for this post, as they are currently underrepresented in this type of role within the School of Chemistry Pharmacy and Pharmacology. Appointment will be made on merit and all applicants will be scored against the same criteria.

Benefits include:

• 44 days annual leave inclusive of Bank Holidays and University Customary days (pro rata for part-time).
• Family and Work-life balance policies including hybrid working and considerable maternity, paternity, shared parental leave and adoption leave.
• Generous pension scheme with life cover for dependants, plus incapacity cover.
• Health and Wellbeing:discounted access to Sportspark facilities, relaxation rooms, 320 acres of rolling parkland, wellbeing walks, Wellbeing Ambassador network, on-campus medical centre including NHS Dentist, Occupational Health and a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
• Campus Facilities: Sportspark, library, nursery, supermarket, post office, bars and catering outlets.
• Exclusive shopping discounts to help cut the cost of household bills, childcare salary sacrifice scheme, Cycle to Work scheme and public transport discounts.
• Personal Development: unlimited access to LinkedIn Learning courses, specialist advice and training from our Organisational Development and Professional Learning Team.

Closing date: 20 November 2026

The University holds an Athena Swan Silver Institutional Award in recognition of our advancement towards gender equality.

Further Information

For further information, including the Job Description and Person Specification, please see the attached Candidate Brochure.

For an informal discussion about the post please contact Professor Mark Searcey via [e-mail].

School of Chemistry, Pharmacy and Pharmacology

Salary of £38,784 with an annual increment up to £46,049 per annum.

Salary will be £25,249 per annum, with an annual increment up to £26,093 per annum.

Starting salary will be £26,707 with annual increment up to £30,378 per annum