Research Fellow in Chemical Biology

The Chemistry Department at University College London is the oldest in England, ranked 3rd in the UK for research excellence in REF(2021) and with over 50 members of academic staff carrying out world-leading research. Our department is situated in Bloomsbury, at the heart of London, and we offer an exciting and vibrant environment in which to study at one of the UK's top universities.

http://www.ucl.ac.uk/chemistry

We are seeking to appoint a Postdoctoral Researcher to contribute to a multidisciplinary project investigating the molecular basis of cyclic antimicrobial peptide–lipid interactions as part of an EPSRC Open Plus Fellowship led by Professor Alethea Tabor. The overall goal of the project is to develop new chemical biology approaches to understand how complex cyclic and polycyclic antimicrobial peptides selectively recognise and interact with target lipids, enabling the rational development of new antimicrobial agents active against multidrug-resistant bacteria.

In this project, you will develop, test, and apply innovative experimental approaches to probe peptide–lipid interactions at the molecular level and contribute to building predictive models of their behaviour. You will work in a multidisciplinary research environment, collaborating closely with a PhD student on a parallel project and a Research Fellow in Structural and Molecular Biology developing cross-linking mass spectrometry techniques using synthesised peptides.

You will also engage with collaborators across UCL and partner institutions including Queen’s University Belfast, University of Nottingham, Utrecht University, and Uppsala University, spanning expertise in biophysics, microbiology, NMR, and lipid synthesis. Strong teamwork, communication skills, and the ability to deliver research outputs in a timely manner will be essential.

The appointment will be for a fixed term of 2 years initially, with potential for extension subject to funding and/or project requirements, with a start date of September 2026 or shortly thereafter.

You will have a PhD (or be close to completion) in Chemistry, Chemical Biology, or a related discipline, with a strong background in synthetic chemistry and experience in the design and preparation of complex molecules such as peptides or peptide analogues. Experience in chemical biology approaches and an interest in antimicrobial research would be advantageous.

A full job description and person specification can be accessed via the UCL jobs page. Please upload a CV, list of publications and covering letter stating why you are interested in the role and how you meet the criteria.

Early application is advised, as we may close the advert once a high volume of applications has been received.

Customer advert reference: B04-07419

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