Research Associate

About the role

Are you ready to apply your research expertise to an interdisciplinary project which spans the boundaries of fundamental science and clinical research to advance gut health?

The Barry Lab based in the Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction at Imperial College London, United Kingdom is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join our team investigating the roles of hydrolytic enzymes and their regulators in colorectal cancer. This position is funded as part of a UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship ‘Targeting hydrolytic enzyme activities to understand, treat and prevent colorectal cancer’ awarded to Dr Barry (PI).

What you would be doing

In this role, you will lead the identification and characterisation of active hydrolytic enzymes in colorectal cancer samples using cutting-edge proteomics and activity-based profiling. You will design and execute experiments, analyse complex datasets, and interpret findings to uncover novel therapeutic targets. Working hands-on with chemistry collaborators, you will develop targeted inhibitors and test their efficacy in advanced gut-culture models, driving the translation of fundamental discoveries into innovative therapeutic strategies.

You will be part of a dynamic, interdisciplinary team of researchers, students, and clinicians; and benefit from access to world-class facilities, including the Imperial Chemistry Proteomics Facility, the NIHR Imperial BRC Organoid Facility, and the Centre for Intestinal Systems. You will be expected to take full ownership of research projects, from initiation to execution, and contribute to the co-supervision of Master’s and PhD students. We are seeking candidates who will thrive in a fast-paced, innovative, and collaborative environment.

Beyond your core research contributions, you will play a key role in mentoring junior lab members and provide support for those undertaking proteomic experiments.

What we are looking for

Essential criteria for the role include:

• Hold, or near completion of, a PhD in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Chemical Biology or a closely related field
• Strong experience in mass spectrometry-based target identification (e.g., chemoproteomics, activity-based protein profiling, IP-MS or protein-protein interaction) and analysis
• Experience in target validation and/or chemical inhibitor testing using in vitro models, i.e., cell lines
• Practical experience in a broad range of molecular biology techniques including cell culture, western blotting and immunoprecipitation
• Strong research track record relative to experience, in academia and/or industry
• Ability to drive research goals independently within a collaborative team setting

Desirable experience for this role includes one or more of the following: enzyme kinetic studies and substrate profiling, design and optimisation of chemical inhibitors, complex in vitro culture models (e.g., organoids and/or bacterial co-culture).

What we can offer you

• You will be part of an interdisciplinary team undertaking research which spans the boundaries of fundamental and clinical research
• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity.
• Grow your career: gain access to Imperial’s sector-leading dedicated career support for researchers as well as opportunities for promotion and progression.
• 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 (35 hours per week) based at our Hammersmith Campus.

If you require any further details about the role, please contact: Dr Rachael Barry– r.barry@imperial.ac.uk.

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