Research Fellow in Synthetic Organic and Medicinal Chemistry

Fixed-term contract up to April 2028

The University of Surrey is a global community of ideas and people, dedicated to life-changing education and research. 

We are ambitious and have a bold vision of what we want to achieve - shaping ourselves into one of the best universities in the world, which we are achieving through the talents and endeavour of every employee.

Our culture empowers people to achieve this aim and to collectively, and individually, make a real difference.

The School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering invites applications for a full-time postdoctoral research fellow position, focusing on synthetic organic chemistry and medicinal chemistry. This role offers a unique opportunity to join a dynamic research team focusing on the development of new small molecules to treat ASS1-deficient tumors such as mesothelioma.

The role

The post holder will design and synthesise small molecules aimed at developing new therapeutic strategies for ASS1-deficient tumours. Your work will develop important structure–activity relationship (SAR) data across a number of different tumor types. The ultimate aim is to derive a number of lead compounds to take forward to advanced in vitro and in vivo studies.

Working within a multidisciplinary research environment spanning chemistry, structural biology, and cancer biology, you will manage your own research programme while contributing to the broader strategic direction and day-to-day running of the research group. The post offers opportunities to learn and be trained in molecular biology techniques alongside their synthetic chemistry work.

You will also help supervise and mentor MSc and PhD students, contribute to training activities, and support collaborative projects across the group and with external partners. In addition, you will contribute to manuscript preparation, grant and project development, maintenance of accurate electronic laboratory notebooks and databases, and the generation of new research ideas. The role provides scope to develop independent projects & scientific directions aligned with the group’s overarching research themes.

About you

Applicants should hold (or be close to completing) a PhD in organic or medicinal chemistry. You should have hands-on experience in organic synthesis and small molecule characteristion and have demonstrated the ability to design and complete multistep chemical routes. Experience in amino acid/peptide chemistry and/or preparing transition metal complexes would be advantageous. 

You will be highly organised, maintain detailed records, and be proficient in standard chemical software (e.g. ChemDraw, Reaxys, MNova, MS Office). You will be competent at communicating complex scientific data clearly, contribute to publications and grant applications, and collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams. You will also demonstrate initiative and adaptability, balancing multiple priorities while contributing proactively to the scientific and operational activities of the research group. You will have enthusiasm for translational cancer research and a willingness to learn new techniques, including molecular & cellular biology.

How to apply

Please apply on the University website with your CV and cover letter and also answering the questions on the application form.

Interviews scheduled for week commencing 20 April 2026. 

Further details

We can offer a generous remuneration package, which includes relocation assistance where appropriate, an attractive research environment, the latest teaching facilities, and access to a variety of staff development opportunities.

The University of Surrey is committed to providing an inclusive environment that offers equal opportunities for all. We place great value on diversity and are seeking to increase the diversity within our community. Therefore we particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups.

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