At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to research innovative solutions in medicinal chemistry for respiratory disorders.
- Company: Be part of King's College London, a leader in pharmaceutical science research.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible hours, and the chance to work with cutting-edge technology.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in healthcare by tackling inflammation-related diseases.
- Qualifications: MSc in Medicinal Chemistry or related field, with hands-on lab experience.
The predicted salary is between 39735 - 55629 € per year.
About Us
The Institute of Pharmaceutical Science (IPS) at KCL supports world class fundamental and applied research across the full spectrum of pharmaceutical science, from drug discovery through biophysical and biological characterization, pharmacology, formulation, drug delivery and use of medicines, with a strong culture of multi-disciplinary collaboration and links to clinical colleagues evidenced by awards of major grants from organisations such as MRC, BBSRC and NC3Rs. The medicinal chemistry laboratory of IPS has been recently refurbished and modernized with new equipment and facilities, and the selected candidate will be based at the medicinal chemistry laboratory at Franklin Wilkins Building.
About The Role
Inflammation drives the pathogenesis of many respiratory disorders. Established anti-inflammatory medications (e.g. glucocorticosteriods or PDE4 inhibitors) have questionable efficacy in the majority of COPD patients. Patients often suffer side effects (e.g. increased pneumonia risk in patients administered glucocorticosteroids; dose limiting gastrointestinal side effects with PDE4 inhibitors). Furthermore, current drugs are delivered via the inhaled route, and cannot address the issue of systemic inflammation in COPD patients that increases the likelihood of disease exacerbations, or inflammation-driven co-morbidities (e.g. cardiovascular disease) that are also life threatening.
Research into the inflammasome; and inflammatory resolving pathways are novel competing strategies, however these retain a risk of immunosuppression. Our approach is advantageous because:
- Systemic platelet activation during inflammation is a critical process that does not carry operational redundancy;
- Targeting biased P2Y1 signalling associated with inflammation eliminates side effects associated with haemostasis e.g. unwanted bleeding;
- Rapid anti-inflammatory effects are induced by targeting platelet activation;
- Regular platelet turnover means drug effects can be ‘washed out’ if needs be;
- We have proven local (lung) efficacy via systemic administration of our tool compounds.
The project will provide data to allow comparisons between chemical scaffolds (involve synthesis of novel structures chosen from understanding of initial series of compounds and their performance from MRC grant MR/T015845/1) in terms of measurements of efficacy using a validated in vivo model of respiratory disease (COPD), therapeutic dosing strategy to determine duration of action, (in house); pharmacokinetic (PK) data, and early safety profiles (maximum tolerated dose MTD) outsourced to Eurofins.
This is a 0.5 FTE post, you will be offered a fixed term contract until 30/09/2026.
About You
To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:
- MSc in Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Chemistry or Pharmacy.
- Practical experience of C-C, N-C and amide coupling reactions, protection-deprotection chemistry and multi-step synthesis.
- Knowledge of small-molecule characterization using NMR, IR, UV, Mass and HPLC techniques.
- Knowledge of software packages, including Word, Excel and chemical structure drawing and bibliographic programmes.
- Knowledge of analytical and preparative LC-MS techniques.
- Track record of published research in peer-reviewed journals of international standing.
- Research experience in Synthetic and Medicinal Chemistry.
- Experience in chemistry laboratory management including electronic inventory maintenance.
- Record of presenting scientific research at national/international conferences.
- Experience in operating LC-MS system.
Further Information
We pride ourselves on being inclusive and welcoming. We embrace diversity and want everyone to feel that they belong and are connected to others in our community. We are committed to working with our staff and unions on these and other issues, to continue to support our people and to develop a diverse and inclusive culture at King's.
As part of this commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and through this appointment process, it is our aim to develop candidate pools that include applicants from all backgrounds and communities.
We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV, and a supporting statement, detailing how they meet the essential criteria listed in the advert. If we receive a strong field of candidates, we may use the desirable criteria to choose our final shortlist, so please include your evidence against these where possible.
To find out how our managers will review your application, please take a look at our ‘How we Recruit’ pages. Interviews are due to be held in January/February.
Grade and Salary: £39,735 per annum inclusive of London Weighting Allowance
Job ID: 134225
Close Date: 04-Jan-2026
Contact Person: Professor Miraz Rahman
Contact Details: k.miraz.rahman@kcl.ac.uk
Research Assistant in Medicinal Chemistry employer: Euraxess
King's College London is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation in the field of medicinal chemistry. With state-of-the-art facilities and a commitment to employee development, staff have access to numerous growth opportunities and are encouraged to engage in impactful research that addresses real-world health challenges. Located in the heart of London, employees benefit from a dynamic environment that promotes diversity and a sense of belonging within the academic community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Assistant in Medicinal Chemistry
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the medicinal chemistry field, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching KCL and their recent projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your passion for their work and how your skills align with their goals. Tailor your responses to highlight your experience in synthetic and medicinal chemistry.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. Focus on articulating your research experience and how it relates to the role of Research Assistant in Medicinal Chemistry.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, keep an eye on our updates for any new opportunities that might pop up in the future.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Assistant in Medicinal Chemistry
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Research Assistant role. Highlight your MSc in Medicinal Chemistry and any relevant practical experience. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Strong Supporting Statement:Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Clearly outline how you meet the essential criteria listed in the job description. Use specific examples from your past experiences to back up your claims.
Show Off Your Research Experience:Don’t forget to mention your track record of published research and any presentations at conferences. This is key for us, as we value candidates who can demonstrate their contributions to the field.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and stands out to our hiring team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Euraxess
✨Know Your Chemistry
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of medicinal chemistry, especially the specific techniques mentioned in the job description like C-C and N-C coupling reactions. Be ready to discuss your practical experience with these methods and how they relate to the research at KCL.
✨Showcase Your Research
Prepare to talk about your published research and any presentations you've given at conferences. Highlight how your work aligns with the projects at the Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, particularly in relation to inflammation and respiratory disorders.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Tools
Get comfortable with the software and analytical techniques listed in the job description, such as LC-MS and HPLC. Being able to discuss your hands-on experience with these tools will demonstrate your readiness for the role.
✨Tailor Your Application
When submitting your CV and supporting statement, make sure to directly address the essential and desirable criteria outlined in the job description. Use specific examples from your experience to show how you meet these requirements, as this will help you stand out in a competitive field.
