Research Associate in Chemical Biology

Location: White City Campus

About the role:

We are looking for a Research Associate in Chemical Biology to contribute to a translational research project funded by Kidney Research UK focussing on developing new therapeutics to alleviate innate immune complications in transplanted kidneys through preventing ischemia-reperfusion injury.

This post is to 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.

The project is in collaboration with the Schumann laboratory at Imperial and the Sacks and Mukhopadhyay laboratories at King’s College London.

What you would be doing:

You will join a vibrant research group to develop cyclic peptide inhibitors of a protein-glycan interaction that contributes to acute kidney injury during organ transplantation through activation of complement. You will carry out novel research employing an mRNA-display-based peptide discovery platform, the RaPID system, to discover tools to modulate the interactions of secreted proteins with ischaemic kidneys. Your work will involve synthesis of glycan modified peptide libraries, library screening to identify new chemical modulators of protein-glycan interactions, optimising these tools for cellular delivery, and applying these tools in a range of structural, biochemical and cellular assays. You will work closely with researchers and clinicians at King’s College London who will test your peptides in in vivo models with a view to progressing lead peptides towards the clinic.

What we are looking for:

We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic chemical biologist. This translational project will be multidisciplinary, involving synthetic and peptide chemistry, biophysical characterisation of peptide hits, structural biology 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 or other chemical probes would be desirable.

What we can offer you:

• The 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 (including 39 days off a year and generous pension schemes).
• 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 post is available for up to 21 months.

The expected start date is 03 March 2025 or as soon as possible after this. An earlier start date may also be possible.

To apply for the position, 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.

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