Postdoctoral Research Associate

About us

We are a synthetic chemistry group working in supramolecular and biological chemistry, and nanotechnology. We work in the Francis Crick Institute in London, and at King's College London.

About the role

The McTernan Group aims to apply recent breakthroughs in artificial molecular machines and metal-organic capsules in biologically relevant settings. We work with rotaxanes, catenanes and capsules to synthesise functional architectures, creating de novo catalytic enzyme analogues, artificial cellular receptors, and generating targeted drug delivery vehicles. We work both in basic science, and translational applications.

This the successful candidate for this 24-month role will lead our chemical biology research programme; designing and conducting experiments, liaising with world-leading STPs at the Francis Crick Institute, developing & deploying assays, training junior researchers, and liaising with CROs. They will take the lead on assaying the biological activity of the numerous therapeutic molecules developed in our laboratory, and help guide their successful optimisation, working closely with chemists across our research portfolio.

Details of research projects currently being undertaken can be seen at: mcternanresearchgroup.com

Research techniques used in the laboratory include: Synthetic Organic Chemistry, Supramolecular Chemistry, Host-Guest Studies, NMR, ITC, HRMS, MSMS, CD, Fluorescence, Bilayer Assays, Water Transport Assays, Self-Assembly, Cell Culture, Assay Development, Proteomics, Western Blot, Synthetic Inorganic Chemistry.

The postholder will be responsible for:

• Investigating research questions & developing specific research project(s) under guidance from Group Leader
• Providing specialist advice and guidance, sharing knowledge and expertise for the benefit of others
• Providing significant contribution to the production of research papers for publication, presenting findings to group members and other internal audiences
• Develop ideas for generating research income, & present detailed research proposals
• Act as a source of information and advice to other members of the group on scientific protocols & experimental techniques. Have a pro-active approach to the management of health and safety protocols and play a role within the group in ensuring compliance with all local & national safety regulations.
• Use and help to maintain specialist scientific equipment in a laboratory environment
• Presenting work externally at international meetings
• Authoring papers under guidance from Group Leader
• Following Postdoctoral Training programmes
• Developing academic independence
• Improving established protocols and/or developing new protocols
• Supervision of junior researchers
• Collaborating internally, & with Contract Research Organisations externally

This is a full-time post (35 hours per week), offered on a fixed-term contract for 24 months.

About you

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills & experience.

Please note that all applications must be accompanied by a supporting statement.

Within that statement, all of the below essential criteria must be addressed.

Essential criteria

• PhD in Chemical Biology and/or related field.
• Expertise in Chemical Biology
• Track record of writing papers as evidenced by publications or submitted manuscripts in referred journals
• Evidence of data presentation at scientific meetings
• Show an ability to work supportively in a laboratory environment, and to supervise & educate junior co-workers and take part in joint projects.
• Be willing to play a role in keeping the laboratory running by assuming a share of group responsibilities & have a pro-active approach to management of laboratory safety.

Desirable criteria

• Experience in Biological Assay design & development
• Experience with ITC and/or other methods to determine binding constants
• Experience in Cell Culture
• Experience with wider Chemical Biology/Biology techniques (western blot, proteomics, IC50, SPR, crystallography etc)
• Experience working with CROs
• Experience with Protein Expression

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