Post Doctoral Research Associate - Medicinal Chemistry in Liverpool

Location: Liverpool

Salary: £39,906 - £42,254 per annum

Contract: Fixed term contract for 3 years

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate with strong expertise in synthetic organic and medicinal chemistry, and an interest in parasitology, microbiology, biochemistry and pharmacology. This is an exciting opportunity to join the Burrows Laboratory at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, a new, dynamic team advancing next generation small molecule approaches for neglected and tropical infectious diseases, including malaria and tuberculosis. The role will focus on developing strategies to identify novel methodologies and chemical series using multidisciplinary approaches, bridging new biological targets and new routes of administration, integrating the use of AI approaches where feasible.

Key Responsibilities

• Synthetic organic and medicinal chemistry
• Co-create and develop novel synthetic and medicinal chemistry approaches appropriate for global health that can expand the opportunities for therapeutic intervention
• Application of medicinal chemistry principles and synthetic organic chemistry expertise to design target molecules for synthesis based on designated target product profiles
• Synthesis, purification, characterization and management of all compounds, in close collaboration with Chemistry Department of University of Liverpool
• Integration of artificial intelligence and computational chemistry tools
• Apply, validate and optimise AI workflows to aid hit identification, docking and co-folding technology
• Become an expert user of drug design for global health (dd4gh), MMV’s free gated open access AI medicinal chemistry design tool for global health
• Data analysis, dissemination, and management
• Maintain rigorous laboratory records, detailed documentation and data organization including use of electronic notebook
• Analyse experimental data using medicinal chemistry visualization tools (e.g., Stardrop, Datawarrior)
• Prepare project reports, presentations, manuscripts, and assist in preparation of funding applications
• Participate and engage with academic and industry partners to facilitate knowledge exchange and collaboration
• Laboratory supervision
• Lead and manage laboratory activities at LSTM, ensuring compliance with all requirements and local procedures.
• Lead through others, when external resources are available, and deliver synthetic organic chemistry at a distance, prioritising synthetic targets and troubleshooting route development
• Mentor, train and supervise junior researchers, students, technicians, and visitors

The Ideal Candidate Will Demonstrate

• PhD/DPhil or equivalent degree in chemistry, medicinal chemistry or a related discipline
• Hand‑on experience and expertise in synthesising organic molecules with diverse synthetic chemistry methodology over multiple steps including use of synthesis and purification equipment
• Fundamental understanding of synthetic organic chemistry
• Excellent track record in delivering final compound targets
• A strong publication track record with evidence of key contributions to synthetic organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, and/or related fields
• Experience writing research papers and submitting them to journals for publication
• Ability to lead research projects and make strategic decisions
• Demonstrate innovative and critical thinking to tackle complex scientific challenges

Additional Benefits Of Joining LSTM

• 30 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, plus Christmas closure days
• Generous occupational pension schemes
• Government backed “cycle to work” scheme.
• Affiliated, discounted staff membership to the University of Liverpool Sports Centre
• A range of additional family friendly policies

LSTM actively promotes Equal Opportunities and Safeguarding Policies.