Postdoctoral Project Research Scientist - Signalling and Structural Biology Laboratory

Location: The Francis Crick Institute, Midland Road, London

Short summary

We seek a talented and highly motivated post-doctoral project research scientist to work on a Cancer Research Horizon funded project to discover chemical inhibitors targeting stromal protein kinase C beta in B cell malignancies. The project is based in Neil McDonald's laboratory at the Francis Crick Institute in collaboration with the clinician-scientist Ingo Ringshausen (UCL Cancer Institute) with medicinal chemistry support from the Francis Crick Chemical Biology Science Technology Platform.

The Signalling and Structural Biology Laboratory studies kinase-driven control mechanisms, assemblies and networks, focusing on processes such as neuroregeneration, cell polarity and cell fate. Our goal is to understand how kinase control mechanisms are subverted in different human diseases. In parallel we have developed biological and chemical tools against neurotrophic and polarity protein kinase targets. In some cases, these tools have led to the development of lead clinical candidates (PMID: 23418854 & https://www.varianbio.com).

Key Responsibilities

The project’s goal is to build a chemical data package around PKC-β inhibition using a structure-guided approach from published and unpublished crystal structures. Intermediate scaffolds are available for progression using biophysical methods and in cellulo screening. In parallel, an X-Chem approach to drug discovery will be pursued in collaboration with the DIAMOND Synchrotron Light Source. The post-holder will play a leading role in the delivery of this drug discovery project, from the purification and structure determination of PKC-beta-inhibitor complexes, the co-design of successive rounds of inhibitors with medicinal chemists, characterisation using biophysical methods and subsequent assay using biochemical and in vivo mouse cancer models. Training can be provided for the structural and chemical biology components of the project. The project would suit candidates interested in academic drug discovery or considering a transition from academia into industry.

About us

The Francis Crick Institute is a biomedical discovery institute dedicated to understanding the fundamental biology underlying health and disease. Its work is helping to understand why disease develops and to translate discoveries into new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, stroke, infections, and neurodegenerative diseases.

An independent organisation, its founding partners are the Medical Research Council,Cancer Research UK, Wellcome, UCL, Imperial College London and King’s College London.

The Crick was formed in 2015, and in 2016 it moved into a new state-of-the-art building in central London which brings together 1500 scientists and support staff working collaboratively across disciplines, making it the biggest biomedical research facility under in one building in Europe.

The Francis Crick Institute will be world-class with a strong national role. Its distinctive vision for excellence includes commitments to collaboration; developing emerging talent and exporting it the rest of the UK; public engagement; and helping turn discoveries into treatments as quickly as possible to improve lives and strengthen the economy. 

• If you are interested in applying for this role, please apply via our website.
• The closing date for applications is 17/08/2024
• All offers of employment are subject to successful security screening and continuous eligibility to work in the United Kingdom.

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