Research Fellow, Synthetic Organic Chemistry

The successful candidate will become part of the newly established Future Medicines Institute (FMI) chemistry group, focused on the synthesis and iterative design of next generation induced proximity therapeutics. The role will include the design, planning and delivery small molecule compound libraries for the FMI Biological screening team. The role will also involved iterative compound design planning, synthesis and SAR exploration planning, so previous small synthesis work is essential.

The Future Medicines Institute (FMI) is a new industry-led research hub for Life and Health Sciences in Northern Ireland, hosted by Queen’s University Belfast (QUB).  Life and Health Sciences have been identified as one of the priority commercial sectors by the NI Executive, as well as the broader UK and Irish governments. A consortium of companies, along with both QUB and Ulster University, have developed a model to create this new translational research unit. The FMI will drive collaboration, cluster development and engagement; enhancing research and development opportunities for commercial and academic partners. 

This multi-million pound investment in new research infrastructure and research personnel is the first of its kind in NI.  The FMI will house over 50 QUB and partner staff and be located adjacent to the Patrick J Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, the Wellcome Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine and the School of Pharmacy at QUB. The FMI will be funded by the Department of Economy, Northern Ireland, for an initial 5 years, and managed as a UKRI Strengths in Places Fund project as part of the existing UKRI Strength in Places Fund programme.   The ambition is to grow and develop the FMI to achieve long term sustainability.  It will work collaboratively with other regional investments such as our new clinical research facility iREACH, data science hub Momentum 1.0, the Centre for Digital Healthcare Technologies (CDHT) and the Artificial Intelligence Collaboration Centre (AICC).  Collectively, these investments will transform the capabilities and competitiveness of the NI Life and Health Sciences sector here in NI, mapping and collaborating with other clusters in UK and Ireland. 

About the person:

The successful candidate must have, and your application should clearly demonstrate that you meet the following essential criteria:

• Degree in Chemistry or Medicinal Chemistry.
• Have or be about to obtain* a relevant PhD (chemistry/medicinal chemistry).*must be obtained within 3 months of date of interview.
• Significant, relevant research experience.
• Experience in design and synthesis of small molecules and/or compound libraries.
• Experience in analytical techniques, such as NMR, HPLC and LC-MS.
• Experience in compound data analysis.
• Experience in lab project supervision.

To be successful at shortlisting stage, please ensure you clearly evidence in your application how you meet the essential and, where applicable, desirable criteria listed in the Candidate Information on our website.

Fixed term contract posts are available for the stated period in the first instance but in particular circumstances may be renewed or made permanent subject to availability of funding.

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