Research Associate in Peptide Discovery and Development

Location: White City Campus

About the role:

Seeking a researcher in chemical biology to contribute to our team’s efforts to discover and develop cyclic peptides to a range of therapeutically relevant protein targets using mRNA display.  

You will 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 study biomedically important proteins.

This position is part of a collaborative research programme between Imperial College London and the Laboratory for Synthetic Chemistry and Chemical Biology Limited (LSCCB) in Hong Kong, bringing together complementary expertise in peptide chemistry, chemical biology, and therapeutic development. There may be an opportunity to pursue some work in the LSCCB laboratories in Hong Kong.

What you would be doing:

Building on our recent development of lysate-based mRNA display (10.1002/anie.202406414) you will join a vibrant research group to extend this screening methodology. You will develop cyclic peptide inhibitors of a range of difficult-to-drug, therapeutically relevant protein targets.

You will carry out novel research adapting and applying our mRNA-display-based peptide discovery protocols. Your work will involve mammalian cell culture to produce screening cell lines, performing RaPID screens against cell-lysate based targets, hit validation, optimising your peptides for cellular delivery, and applying these tools in a range of structural, biochemical and cellular assays.

What we are looking for:

We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic peptide chemist/chemical biologist. This project will be multidisciplinary, involving synthetic and peptide chemistry, biophysical characterisation of peptide hits, and molecular and cell biology. We are therefore seeking someone with experience in a selection of these techniques and a willingness to learn others as dictated by the project.

Experience with the development, optimisation and testing of peptide inhibitors is essential.

Experience of mRNA-display or similar display techniques would be desirable.

What we can offer you:

• 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.
• 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 role is full time and fixed term for up to 24 months.

The expected start date is 01 June 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. An earlier start date may also be possible.

To apply, please complete the online application form.

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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