At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to optimise high-throughput chemical synthesis for antibiotic discovery.
- Company: Imperial College London, part of a major initiative against antimicrobial resistance.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 41 days off, generous pension, and career support.
- Other info: Collaborate with over 60 scientists in state-of-the-art labs.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in combating global health threats with cutting-edge research.
- Qualifications: PhD in chemistry or related field, with experience in medicinal chemistry or D2B workflows.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Following a £45 million pledge from GSK to support the Fleming Initiative’s efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR), we are seeking a talented Research Associate to join the team in the group of Professor Ed Tate at Imperial College London. This role will use medicinal chemistry and high‑throughput direct‑to‑biology (D2B) approaches to rapidly synthesize large chemical libraries that will support the generation of high‑throughput mass spectrometry (MS) data to power state‑of‑the‑art Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) models to build a chemical ‘rule book’ for small molecule accumulation in bacteria.
The position is available full time, starting in June 2026 (or as soon as possible thereafter). Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) represents a significant and growing global health threat, with recent projections estimating that 39 million deaths will be directly attributed to AMR between 2025–2050. Of particular concern are Gram‑negative bacteria which possess two cell membranes, including a hard‑to‑penetrate outer membrane decorated with efficient efflux systems. These structural barriers severely limit intracellular accumulation of antibiotic drugs, rendering many ineffective. Despite a renewed focus on AMR research, there is still limited understanding of how to develop antibiotics that can cross these membranes and accumulate within bacteria. Therefore, a systematic, data‑driven approach is urgently needed to elucidate the chemical ‘rule book’ that determines small molecule penetration and accumulation in bacteria to guide rational design of next generation antibiotics.
What you would be doing
Your role will focus on optimising and delivering high‑throughput chemical synthesis workflows to enable direct‑to‑biology (D2B) screening of small‑molecule accumulation in Gram‑negative bacteria. By applying a high‑throughput D2B approach, you will rapidly elaborate and diversify chemical scaffolds to systematically interrogate the molecular features that govern Gram‑negative bacterial accumulation. The data generated from these experiments will feed into the development of state‑of‑the‑art Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) models to build a chemical ‘rule book’ for small molecule accumulation in bacteria. You will be contributing to a dynamic and ambitious Grand Challenge Project, funded by GSK and the Fleming Initiative, and you will work closely with multidisciplinary teams, from assay design and microbiology (Dr Andrew Edwards) to data science (Dr Marko Storch) and AI/ML (Prof. Alessandra Russo, Prof. Ramon Villar, Prof. Mauricio Barahona).
The Tate group is culturally diverse and highly multidisciplinary, with project teams encompassing scientists at all levels of experience and from a variety of backgrounds (chemical biology, cell biology, proteomics, cancer biology, drug discovery, etc.). Postdocs in our lab take full responsibility to initiate and run projects, co‑lead collaborative teams, write applications for funding and pitches for translational support, and regularly engage in co‑supervision of Masters and PhD level students. We are looking for candidates who can thrive in this dynamic and creative environment and take full advantage of the unique training opportunities it offers.
What we are looking for
- Hold, or near completion of, a PhD qualification in chemistry, chemical biology, medicinal chemistry, or a closely related field, or an equivalent level of experience.
- Strong research track record relative to experience, in academia and/or industry.
- Experience in optimisation and execution of D2B workflows, or medicinal chemistry.
Desirable experience for this role includes one or more of the following:
- Antimicrobial drug discovery;
- automated liquid handling;
- biological plate‑based assays;
- analysis of large datasets;
- working in a team setting and/or with external collaborators;
- handling biological samples (e.g. bacterial and human cell lines).
What we can offer you
Working within the Tate group would give you the opportunity to work with >60 scientists at all levels from undergraduates to postdoctoral researchers with our state‑of‑the‑art labs in West London. You will be joining a team with an excellent track record in the areas of antimicrobial resistance and drug discovery. The opportunity to continue your career at a world‑leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity. Grow your career: Gain access to Imperial’s sector‑leading dedicated career support for researchers as well as opportunities for promotion and progression. Sector‑leading salary and remuneration package (including 41 days off a year and generous pension schemes).
Further information
This is a full time, fixed term role for 12 months in the first instance, with possibility of extension. Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as a Research Assistant. The expected start date for this position is as soon as possible.
If you require any further details on the role please contact: Professor Ed Tate: e.tate@imperial.ac.uk
AMR AI-Driven Medicinal Chemistry Research Associate employer: Imperial College London
Joining the Tate group at Imperial College London offers a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research in antimicrobial resistance, working alongside over 60 talented scientists in state-of-the-art facilities. The collaborative and culturally diverse environment fosters creativity and innovation, while providing exceptional career growth opportunities, including access to dedicated career support and a competitive remuneration package with generous leave and pension benefits. This role not only allows you to make a meaningful impact on global health but also positions you within a world-leading institution committed to advancing science for humanity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land AMR AI-Driven Medicinal Chemistry Research Associate
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to the Tate group or GSK. Attend relevant events and engage on platforms like LinkedIn to make those valuable connections.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the latest research on antimicrobial resistance and AI in medicinal chemistry. Show us you’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable about the challenges we face in this field.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of a good follow-up! After an interview, drop a thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. It keeps you fresh in our minds!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at Imperial College London.
We think you need these skills to ace AMR AI-Driven Medicinal Chemistry Research Associate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role. Highlight your experience in medicinal chemistry and any D2B workflows you've worked on. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission to tackle antimicrobial resistance!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for AMR research and explain why you're excited about joining our team. Let us know how your skills can contribute to our ambitious Grand Challenge Project.
Showcase Your Research Experience:We love seeing a strong research track record! Include details about your previous projects, especially those related to drug discovery or working with large datasets. This will help us understand your capabilities and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on being part of our dynamic and creative environment at StudySmarter.
How to prepare for a job interview at Imperial College London
✨Know Your Chemistry
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of medicinal chemistry and D2B workflows. Be ready to discuss specific techniques you've used in your research, especially those related to high-throughput synthesis and data analysis. This will show that you're not just familiar with the theory but have practical experience too.
✨Show Your Passion for AMR
Demonstrate your understanding of antimicrobial resistance and why it matters. Share any relevant projects or experiences that highlight your commitment to tackling this global health threat. This will help you connect with the interviewers and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Prepare for Team Dynamics
Since the role involves working with multidisciplinary teams, think about examples from your past where you've successfully collaborated with others. Be ready to discuss how you handle different perspectives and contribute to a team environment, as this is crucial for success in the Tate group.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the team's current projects, the lab's culture, and future directions in AMR research. This not only shows your interest in the position but also gives you a chance to assess if the environment aligns with your career goals.
