At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting projects in computational structural biology and model protein interactions.
- Company: Innovative biotech firm focused on AI-driven molecular discovery.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, equity options, remote work, and support for conferences.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Shape the future of molecular discovery and contribute to global food security.
- Qualifications: PhD or MSc in relevant fields with industry experience and strong programming skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 98000 £ per year.
They are looking for an experienced Computational Structural Biologist with a strong background in protein–protein interaction modelling and a deep understanding of protein structure. This is a unique opportunity to directly shape our induced proximity computational platform, from defining the structural and biophysical data needed to answer key scientific questions, through interpretation, to translating the resulting insights into improved predictive ML models.
Molecular glues work by stabilising protein‑protein interactions that are often weak, transient, or difficult to observe directly. Predicting when these interactions will form productive complexes — and how they translate into cooperativity, affinity, and downstream biological effect — remains a major unsolved challenge. In this role, you will help build the computational and data foundations to make these interactions more predictable, working across our data generation strategy, structural interpretation, model validation, and iterative improvement of our next‑generation ML models for induced proximity.
Key responsibilities
- Own computational structural biology projects end-to-end, independently translating requirements into validated, production‑grade workflows with full autonomy.
- Develop computational approaches for induced proximity, with a focus on modelling weak or transient protein‑protein interactions, and turn promising prototypes into robust, reusable, and well‑tested code.
- Apply machine learning, co‑folding, protein docking, and molecular dynamics to integrate experimentally derived priors into predictions of structure, cooperativity, and binding affinity.
- Query structural and sequence databases, and build large‑scale data pipelines from the ground up for model training, benchmarking, and evaluation.
- Interpret structural and biophysical data, and translate biological insights into our next‑generation ML models for induced proximity.
- Partner with experimental scientists to design data collection and validation strategies.
What you will bring
- PhD or MSc in Structural Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Chemistry, Bioinformatics, or a related field.
- Possess experience across academia and at least 2 years of industry experience (preferably biotech).
- Strong understanding of structural and biophysical datasets, including cryo-EM, XL-MS, and SAXS, with experience in data collection, analysis, and structure determination.
- Strong programming skills in Python, with experience in CI/CD and cloud infrastructure (e.g., GCP, AWS).
- Experience building reproducible and scalable computational/structural biology workflows.
- Experience applying modern protein structure prediction / co-folding approaches (e.g., AlphaFold, Boltz, Chai-1) and/or downstream methods (docking, molecular dynamics).
- Excellent communication and documentation skills, with a strong bias for reproducibility and collaboration.
- A proactive, delivery‑oriented mindset and a passion for enabling cutting‑edge research through scalable systems.
Nice to have
- Experience with induced proximity modalities, such as PROTACs, molecular glues, and other bifunctional molecules.
- Prior exposure to industry drug discovery projects involving structure‑based design, protein‑protein interaction modulation, targeted protein degradation, or comparable modalities.
- Experience working with cloud‑based infrastructure.
- Experience with agile project management.
Competitive salary (plus equity commensurate with experience); support for conference attendance, publications, and patents; fully remote work, with quarterly on‑site meetings. Be part of an early team shaping AI-driven molecular discovery in agriculture and contribute to global food security.
Computational Structural Biologist in Cambridge employer: Instruct-ERIC
Join a pioneering team in Cambridge, where your expertise as a Computational Structural Biologist will directly influence AI-driven molecular discovery in agriculture. Enjoy a fully remote work environment with competitive compensation, equity options, and support for professional development through conferences and publications. Our collaborative culture fosters innovation and growth, making it an ideal place for those passionate about advancing scientific research and contributing to global food security.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Computational Structural Biologist 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 Instruct-ERIC. 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 Instruct-ERIC!
We think you need these skills to ace Computational Structural Biologist 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 Instruct-ERIC 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 Instruct-ERIC.
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 Instruct-ERIC 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 Instruct-ERIC
✨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 Instruct-ERIC. 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 Instruct-ERIC'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 Instruct-ERIC. This shows your passion for the industry!