Senior Research Associate in Medicinal Chemistry/Chemical Biology

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Senior Research Associate join the School of Pharmacy to conduct studies on the control of protein-protein interactions in ribosome biogenesis.

A feature of cancer is an ability to grow rapidly, continuously, and uncontrollably. Cancer commonly achieves this by creating extra ribosome complexes, allowing for uncontrollable protein synthesis and cancer cell growth. Many of the drugs that we already use to treat cancer affect ribosome biogenesis, however, the drugs are not specific giving us side effects. In this research we will make a compound that can affect ribosome biogenesis selectively, giving us a highly effective drug with far reduced side effects and a broad-spectrum cancer treatment. This project will use a new technique, developed in our research group, to make molecules that control the protein-protein interactions in ribosome biogenesis. Using peptides as scaffolds, sections can be replaced with drug pieces to make a drug molecule. Work will focus on designing molecules for this purpose and developing them to be good precision medicine leads.
 
As a Senior Research Associate you will be associated with this EPSRC funded 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 Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biochemistry or a relevant research area. You will have practical skills capable of leading to independent, original contributions to the subject area. You will have strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to use initiative and apply creativity to solve problems and the ability to communicate complex information clearly. Advanced skills directly relating to protein and peptide synthesis, organic synthesis, or biophysical assays would be advantageous.  
 
This full-time post is available from 1^st October 2024 on a fixed term basis for 14 months. 

We strongly encourage applicants from Black, Asian or other minority ethnic backgrounds and welcome applications from all protected groups as defined by the Equality Act 2010. Appointment will be made on merit.

Further information on our great benefits package, including 44 days annual leave inclusive of Bank Holidays and additional University Customary days, can be found on our benefits page.

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

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