Research Fellow

The research fellow will work in the research groups of Helen Hailes in the Department of Chemistry, UCL, and Sanjib Bhakta at Birkbeck, University of London. The project will be focused on developing new bioactive compounds to tackle drug-resistant infections. The proposed research builds on our previous work on the development of carbazoles as anti-mycobacterial chemotherapeutics. The postholder will be required to synthesise substrates, perform assays, optimise structure activity relationships, and synthesise molecular probes to study the mode of action. The postholder will work in an interdisciplinary environment so excellent team-working and communication skills will be required. The appointment is funded by the UKRI MRC ‘Southeast Asia regional funding collaboration on infectious diseases’ initiative. The position is available from 01 December 2025 and for up to 24 months in the first instance. Please note, appointment at Grade 7 (£45,103 - £52 ,586 pr annum including London Allowance) is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be at Research Assistant Grade 6B (£39,148 - £41,833 per annum including London Allowance) with payment at Grade 7 being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD thesis.

The successful candidate will have a PhD degree (or be about to be awarded a PhD) in the area of medicinal chemistry, organic synthesis, chemical biology, or equivalent subject. Experience in several of the following areas is required: the synthesis of bioactive compounds, compound characterisation, assay development, together with a good publication track record, a demonstrated commitment to excellence, and excellent skills in the lab are required. They will be required to work in a multidisciplinary, collaborative team and have effective written and verbal communication skills in English.

The Job Description and Person Specification (along with contact details for any enquiries) can be accessed by clicking 'Apply'.

Customer advert reference: B04-06787

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