Research Associate in Chemical Biology

Location: White City Campus

About the role:

We are looking for a researcher in chemical biology to contribute to developing an exciting new cyclic peptide discovery approach to make inhibitors of therapeutically relevant, intrinsically disordered proteins during translation. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of an ongoing collaboration between the Walport laboratory and Dr David Balchin’s laboratory at the Francis Crick Institute.

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, whilst collaborating closely with the Balchin Lab based at the Francis Crick Institute. 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. Dr Balchin’s laboratory focuses on understanding the mechanisms of protein biogenesis on the ribosome using biochemical reconstitution and structural proteomics. 

You will have the opportunity to work between both laboratories and apply a wide range of techniques in peptide chemistry, protein biochemistry, chemical biology, biophysics and cell biology.

You will join a vibrant research group to develop cyclic peptide inhibitors of a challenging intrinsically disordered drug target. You will carry out novel research employing an mRNA-display-based peptide discovery platform, the RaPID system, to discover tools to modulate the production of this and other proteins during ribosomal translation. Your work will involve generation of ribosome-bound cotranslational folding intermediates, mRNA-display screening, cyclic peptide synthesis and optimisation, optimising these tools for cellular delivery, and applying these tools in a range of structural, biochemical and cellular assays. You will work closely with researchers at the Francis Crick Institute.

What we are looking for:

We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic chemical biologist. This project will be multidisciplinary, involving synthetic and peptide chemistry, biophysical characterisation of peptide hits, structural biology and cell biology. We are seeking someone with experience in a selection of these techniques and a willingness to learn others as dictated by the project. Experience with the synthesis, optimisation and testing of peptides is essential and experience with mRNA display screening, general molecular biology approaches and biophysical/biochemical assay would be 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).

Further Information

This is a full time, fixed term post 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 click the 'Apply' button, above, and 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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