Research Associate in Chemistry

Location: White City Campus

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 (https://gtr.ukri.org/projects?ref=EP%2FX020878%2F1).

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 – l.walport@imperial.ac.uk.

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.

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