At a Glance
- Tasks: Use cutting-edge tools to design innovative drugs and collaborate with top scientists.
- Company: Join Astex Pharmaceuticals, a leader in drug discovery and development.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, hybrid working options, and excellent career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with access to state-of-the-art resources.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in healthcare by contributing to groundbreaking drug discovery.
- Qualifications: PhD or equivalent experience in relevant fields and strong molecular modelling skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Astex Pharmaceuticals is a world leader in innovative drug discovery and development. The company has successfully applied its proprietary Fragment-Based Drug Discovery platform to generate multiple new drug candidates that are progressing in clinical development. Successful collaborations have led to three launched oncology drugs (Kisqali partnered with Novartis, Balversa partnered with Janssen and Truqap partnered with AstraZeneca). Astex continues to grow and focuses on Neurological Disorders and Oncology.
We currently have an opportunity within our Computer-Aided Drug Design (CADD) group in Cambridge, UK for a dynamic, passionate molecular modeller, with a proven record of performing high caliber science.
The Role
- Drive structure-based drug design activities from hit identification through to lead optimization, ensuring alignment with project schedules.
- Interpret crystallographic and cryo-EM data and support structure determination.
- Analyze protein-ligand structures and guide medicinal chemistry through binding mode hypotheses, SAR interpretation, and design of novel analogs.
- Apply cutting-edge molecular modelling approaches including docking, molecular dynamics, QM, free energy calculations, and property optimizations.
- Apply AI generative models and machine learning methodologies to design and optimize new molecules.
- Communicate findings in team and project meetings.
Qualifications
- PhD (or equivalent experience) in Computational Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Structural Biology, or related discipline.
- Strong understanding of drug discovery and SBDD.
- Experience with molecular modelling software (e.g. Schrödinger, MOE, OpenEye, Cresset, or similar).
- Familiarity with protein-ligand interactions, structural interpretation, and conformational analysis.
- Strong understanding of physics-based methods and their application to drug discovery.
- Experience integrating modelling with medicinal chemistry decision-making.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills in a multidisciplinary environment.
- Programming or scripting skills (e.g. Python, R, or Bash) for workflow automation or data analysis.
- Experience with simulation-based methods and machine learning approaches.
- Familiarity with fragment-based drug discovery (FBDD).
- Experience of working in drug discovery teams.
Why Astex
We offer excellent training and career development opportunities as well as highly competitive salary and benefits package including hybrid working options to promote a flexible and inclusive work environment. At Astex we embrace diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse Company representing all backgrounds, harnessing industry-leading scientific innovation and behaviours.
Astex is situated 2.5 miles from Cambridge City centre on the Cambridge Science Park. The Park has onsite sports facilities and excellent transport links to London.
Molecular Modeller in Cambridge employer: Astex Pharmaceuticals
Astex Pharmaceuticals is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation in drug discovery. With access to one of the largest structural datasets in the industry and a commitment to employee growth through excellent training and career development opportunities, Astex promotes a collaborative culture where diverse talents thrive. Located just 2.5 miles from Cambridge City centre, employees enjoy hybrid working options and onsite sports facilities, making it an attractive place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Molecular Modeller in Cambridge
✨Get Involved in Local Research Communities
Tap into local biotechnology meetups and research forums. These are great places to mingle with industry professionals, share your passion, and even discover unadvertised job openings. It's all about getting your face known in the field!
✨Leverage University Alumni Networks
If you're a recent grad, don’t underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network! Reach out to alumni working in biotechnology to gather tips about job openings at companies like Astex Pharmaceuticals. You'd be surprised how willing people are to help out a fellow grad!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Curate a portfolio showcasing any research projects or internships you've completed in biotechnology. This tangible evidence of your skills can really impress employers when you chat with them at networking events or interviews. It's about making that killer first impression!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Biotech is a fast-paced field, so keeping yourself updated with the latest advancements is crucial. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or workshops to broaden your knowledge and meet potential employers. Plus, it’ll give you fantastic talking points for your interviews at places like Astex Pharmaceuticals!
We think you need these skills to ace Molecular Modeller in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the biotechnology field, it's super important to highlight your lab experience in your CV. Be sure to mention specific techniques or instruments you've mastered (think PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show Astex Pharmaceuticals that you have the hands-on skills they need.
Tailor Your Technical Skills:Make sure to emphasise your technical skills, especially those relevant to the biotechnology sector. Include any software tools or programming languages you've used, like R or Python for data analysis, which could be key for this role at Astex Pharmaceuticals.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time role, your cover letter should reflect not only your passion for biotechnology but also your long-term career ambitions. Share why you're excited about the work that Astex Pharmaceuticals does and how you envision contributing to their goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but you're genuinely invested in this opportunity.
Include Your Papers and Projects:If you've published any papers or contributed to significant projects, mention them! These documents can boost your application and provide tangible evidence of your expertise in the biotechnology field. Don’t forget to link to any relevant publications or project summaries—this can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Astex Pharmaceuticals
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
Since you're eyeing a full-time gig in biotechnology, make sure you're well-versed in the lab techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to talk about PCR, CRISPR, or any specific methods mentioned in the job description at Astex Pharmaceuticals. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.
✨Know Your Bioinformatics Tools
Get comfortable with bioinformatics tools that are commonly used in the industry, like BLAST or Bioconductor. These are key in biotechnology, and having hands-on experience or at least familiarity can set you apart. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, especially if they involved data analysis or genomic research.
✨Show Your Teamwork Skills
Biotech often involves collaboration across multiple disciplines. Be ready to share stories that highlight your teamwork and communication skills, especially in research projects. Think about working with different teams at university or any internships – this is where you can show how well you fit into Astex Pharmaceuticals's culture.
✨Research Recent Biotech Innovations
Stay updated on the latest trends and breakthroughs in biotechnology. Knowing what's happening in the field can help you engage in more meaningful discussions during your interview. Bring up recent articles or advancements that excite you, especially those related to the work being done at Astex Pharmaceuticals. This shows your passion for the industry!
