At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop and clinically test a groundbreaking drug-device treatment for fungal nail infections.
- Company: Join the innovative Jones Group at King's College London, leaders in pharmaceutical dermatology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Exciting full-time role with potential for career advancement in a dynamic research environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in patients' lives with cutting-edge research and technology.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant field and strong lab and clinical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 45031 - 52514 £ per year.
Organisation/Company KINGS COLLEGE LONDON Research Field Biological sciences Medical sciences Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Established Researcher (R3) Country United Kingdom Application Deadline 16 Nov 2025 - 00:00 (UTC) Type of Contract Other Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No
Offer Description
About Us
The Jones Group are experts in pharmaceutical dermatology. They design of innovative pharmaceutical formulations and devices. They are interested in how therapeutic agents are released from formulations and how they cross biological barriers. They use new discoveries in drug delivery and barrier transport processes to design new diagnostic and drug administration systems. To date this work their work has been funded by 18 research grants with a total value of > £ 4 million. He has published over 80 research articles, 8 patents and successfully supervised more than 30 PhD students. They are currently working on innovative approaches to non-invasive biomarker sampling via the skin, the use of natural compounds to modify skin keratinocyte function, development of topical formulations that generate gases, novel formulations for drug delivery to the skin, hair and nail, the use of skin stretching to promote needleless delivery, the use of nanomaterials in the oral and respiratory mucosa, targeting hair follicles using nanosystems and the use of 3D printing to develop topical patches.
About The Role
The role will be to develop and clinically test a new drug-device treatment for onychomycosis (fungal infection of the human nail plate). Onychmycosis affects one in ten people, and it is classed as a significant unmet medical need because the current treatment is inadequate, with fewer than one in three people being cured. Infections in the hands and toenails are usually acquired in young adult life and can persist until death. Although onychomycosis can be perceived as a cosmetic problem among young adults, later in life, if a sufferer experiences immunocompromise, the infection can spread to all digits and across the skin. In chronic immunocompromisation, onycomycosis can also lead to invasion and the generation of blood-based infections. At King\'s College London, we are developing a new topical therapy that promises to be a significant breakthrough for onychomycosis patients.
We are seeking a motivated Research Associate to help develop a new drug-device combination for the treatment of onychomycosis. We are currently in the stages of finalising the device design. We have funding for a new translational research project, which will advance the new treatment from the laboratory into clinical testing in a Phase 2b clinical trial. We are seeking a clinical coordinator to lead this project.
This exciting role requires a Research Associate who is capable of working both in the laboratory and in the clinic. Initially, designing a range of different experiments, executing them efficiently and accurately interpreting their findings. Skills are needed in working with tissues, analytical techniques and biological samples. Experience of 3D printing and CAD design is highly desirable but not essential. The Research Associate will be responsible, working with a team of coworkers, to facilitate the clinical testing of the new treatment in collaboration with our partners at Guy’s and St Thomas’s Hospital.
This is a full time post (35 Hours per week), and you will be offered an a fixed term contract until 31/01/2029
About You
To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:
- First degree and PhD in a relevant discipline such as pharmacy, medicine, drug delivery, pharmaceutical analysis
- A sound (theoretical and practical) knowledge of an area of chemistry, pharmaceutical science, pharmaceutical analysis, medicine development, medical analysis or medical device development
- Evidence of strong laboratory and clinical skills
- Experience of scientific report writing and data presentation
- Human study experience
- Skills in the development and running of analytical assays
- Skills in product design and operating on computer-aided design
- CAD software e.g. Fusion 3D
- Experience in additive manufacturing particularly vat polymerization.
Downloading a copy of our Job Description
Full details of the role and the skills, knowledge and experience required can be found in the Job Description document, provided at the bottom of the next page after you click “Apply Now”. This document will provide information of what criteria will be assessed at each stage of the recruitment process.
Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered. In these circumstances the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spine point 30 with the title of Research Assistant. Upon confirmation of the award of the PhD, the job title will become Research Associate and the salary will increase to Grade 6.
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 November/early December
Grade and Salary:£45,031 - £52,514 per annum including London Weighting Allowance
Job ID:128305
Close Date:16-Nov-2025
Contact Person:Stuart Jones
Contact Details:Stuart.jones@kcl.ac.uk
Postdoctoral Research Associate in Pharmaceutical Dermatology employer: King’s College London
At King's College London, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment that encourages innovation and professional growth. As a leader in pharmaceutical dermatology, we offer our employees the opportunity to engage in groundbreaking research while benefiting from a supportive culture that values diversity and personal development. Located in the vibrant city of London, our team enjoys access to world-class facilities and resources, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and impactful careers in medical sciences.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Research Associate in Pharmaceutical Dermatology
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the pharmaceutical and dermatology fields. Attend relevant conferences or seminars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself to potential collaborators or employers. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to pharmaceutical research and clinical trials. Think about how your skills align with the role at King’s College London. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for pharmaceutical dermatology! During interviews, share your insights on current trends and challenges in the field. This will demonstrate your enthusiasm and commitment to the role, making you stand out as a candidate.
✨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. We’re always looking for talented individuals to join our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Research Associate in Pharmaceutical Dermatology
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the role. We want to see how your background aligns with our work in pharmaceutical dermatology, so don’t hold back on showcasing your expertise!
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement:Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Use it to explain how you meet the essential criteria listed in the job description. Be specific and give examples of your past work that demonstrate your capabilities.
Showcase Your Research Experience:Since this role involves both laboratory and clinical work, make sure to highlight any relevant research experience you have. We’re particularly interested in your skills with analytical techniques and any human study experience, so let us know what you’ve done!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the application process there.
How to prepare for a job interview at King’s College London
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest research in pharmaceutical dermatology, especially around onychomycosis. Familiarise yourself with the current treatments and their limitations, as well as the innovative approaches being explored by The Jones Group. This will show your genuine interest and understanding of the field.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare to discuss your laboratory and clinical skills in detail. Be ready to provide examples of experiments you've designed and executed, particularly those involving analytical techniques or product design. If you have experience with CAD software or 3D printing, highlight that too!
✨Team Player Vibes
This role involves collaboration with a team and external partners, so be prepared to talk about your teamwork experiences. Share specific instances where you contributed to a project or helped resolve conflicts within a group. Emphasising your ability to work well with others will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Ask Smart Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the project and the team dynamics. Inquire about the next steps in the clinical testing phase or how success is measured in this role. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the position is the right fit for you.
