At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to study antibiotic accumulation in bacteria using AI and molecular dynamics.
- Company: Imperial College London, a world-leading institution in research and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, opportunity for career development, and collaboration with top experts.
- Other info: Full-time role with potential for extension, working in a vibrant, multidisciplinary environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global health by tackling antimicrobial resistance through cutting-edge research.
- Qualifications: PhD in computational chemistry or related field, experience in molecular dynamics and machine learning.
The predicted salary is between 57472 - 57472 £ per year.
Location: White City Campus
About the role
Supported by funding from the Wellcome Trust, this project offers an exciting opportunity for a Research Associate to join the groups of Prof Ramon Vilar (Chemistry) and Prof Mauricio Barahona (Mathematics) at Imperial College London. You will work at the interface of computational chemistry and data science, to investigate the structure, dynamics, and transport properties of membrane proteins. The role is part of the Gram-Negative Antibiotic Discovery Innovator (Gr-ADI) initiative, a major collaborative effort aimed at addressing antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which represents a significant and growing global health threat. The research will focus on understanding how small molecules cross and accumulate within Gram-negative bacteria such as Klebsiella pneumoniae, which present significant challenges due to their dual membranes and efficient efflux mechanisms. By taking a systematic, data-driven approach, you will contribute to uncovering the fundamental principles governing molecular permeation and intracellular accumulation.
What you would be doing
You will contribute to the development and application of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, integrated with machine learning (ML) approaches, to study the structure, dynamics, and transport properties of membrane permeation systems, including porins and efflux channels, in Gram-negative bacteria. A key objective of the role is to develop automated feature-generation pipelines that incorporate simulation-derived biophysical descriptors into broader ML frameworks for predicting bacterial drug accumulation. This position forms part of a large, multi-disciplinary effort to elucidate the principles governing small-molecule accumulation in Klebsiella and other Gram-negative pathogens, and to develop open AI/ML-based models that support the rational design of next-generation antibiotics. You will be contributing to a dynamic and ambitious global project – the Gr-ADI initiative, funded by Wellcome Trust, that involves several groups around the world. At Imperial, you will work closely with a multidisciplinary team, across assay design, small molecule screens and chemical biology and microbiology (Prof Ed Tate, Prof Gad Frankel, Dr Andy Edwards), ‘omics technologies (Dr Matt Child), data science (Dr Marko Storch) and AI (Prof. Alessandra Russo, Prof. Mauricio Barahona).
What we are looking for
- Essential criteria:
- Hold a PhD (or be near completion) in computational chemistry, computational biology, or a related discipline.
- Experience in molecular dynamics simulations and structural bioinformatics.
- Experience in ML/data-driven modelling such as machine-learned coarse-grained MD, or similar, including relevant frameworks.
- Experience of effective collaboration and undergraduate/postgraduate supervision.
What we can offer you
Become part of a multidisciplinary team working on one of the major challenges in antibiotic drug discovery. The opportunity to develop your research career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity.
Further Information
This is a full‑time, fixed‑term role for up to 24 months, with the possibility of an extension. Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as Research Assistant. The position is on‑site at White City Campus. For further details please contact: Prof Ramon Vilar - r.vilar@imperial.ac.uk £49,017 to £57,472 per annum
Research Associate in AI-Enhanced Molecular Dynamics to study Antibiotic Accumulation in Bacteria employer: Imperial College London
Imperial College London is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and collaborative work culture at the forefront of scientific research. As a Research Associate in AI-Enhanced Molecular Dynamics, you will have the unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking projects aimed at tackling antimicrobial resistance, while benefiting from a supportive environment that fosters professional growth and interdisciplinary collaboration. Located at the innovative White City Campus, you will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to advancing antibiotic discovery, with access to world-class resources and expertise.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate in AI-Enhanced Molecular Dynamics to study Antibiotic Accumulation in Bacteria
✨Get Involved in Local Research Communities
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We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate in AI-Enhanced Molecular Dynamics to study Antibiotic Accumulation in Bacteria
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 Imperial College London 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 Imperial College London.
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 Imperial College London 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 Imperial College London
✨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 Imperial College London. 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 Imperial College London'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 Imperial College London. This shows your passion for the industry!
