Postdoctoral Project Research Scientist – Chemical Biology & Antibacterial drug discovery in London

The Morreale Lab at the Francis Crick Institute is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Project Research Scientist with a strong background in synthetic organic chemistry to join a multidisciplinary programme focused on novel antibacterial strategies, including targeted protein degradation in bacteria. This position is funded by the END2AMR (European Novel Drug Research to Address Microbial Infections and Drug Resistance) consortium, bringing together leading academic groups, research institutes, SMEs and industry partners to develop innovative antibacterial modalities and delivery technologies in a highly collaborative, translational research environment.

The successful candidate will lead their own project which will involve the design and synthesis of small molecules, application of medicinal chemistry principles, and close collaboration with microbiologists and biochemists. Depending on experience and project needs, the work may also involve biophysical characterisation of protein-ligand interactions and/or DNA-encoded library (DEL) screening in collaboration with internal and external partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and carry out multistep organic syntheses of small molecules and chemical probes.
• Apply medicinal chemistry principles, including SAR analysis, optimisation of potency and physicochemical properties.
• Collaborate closely with microbiologists, biochemists and structural biologists to guide compound design and interpretation of biological data.
• Contribute to biophysical assays and/or DEL screening efforts.
• Analyse data, maintain clear experimental records and present results within the lab, institute and consortium meetings.
• Prepare manuscripts for publication and contribute to collaborative reports and grant-related activities.
• Lead their own project and support junior researchers.
• Contribute to a positive, inclusive and collaborative lab environment.

Key experience and competencies

• Essential
• PhD (or close to completion) in organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, chemical biology or a related discipline.
• Strong track record in synthetic organic chemistry, including route design and compound characterisation.
• Solid understanding of medicinal chemistry concepts and drug discovery workflows.
• Ability to engage with biological questions and collaborate across disciplines.
• Excellent organisational, analytical and communication skills.
• Desirable
• Experience with biophysical techniques (e.g. SPR, ITC, DSF) and DEL screening.
• Experience in chemical biology and antibacterial drug discovery.
• Experience working in collaborative consortium-based research environments.

How to apply

Applicants should submit: A cover letter outlining the motivation for joining the Morreale Lab, a CV including publication list, and contact details for at least two academic referees. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

At the Crick, we conduct research at the forefront of biomedical research. We combine rigour with an open and collaborative culture, and are outward-looking, reflecting our status as a partnership of six organisations aiming to pool knowledge, ideas and resources. We have a wide research portfolio with no divisions or departments, bringing biomedical researchers together with clinicians, physical scientists and applied scientists from our pharmaceutical partners. We aim to attract the most talented researchers and support them to tackle innovative research questions.

If you are interested in applying for this role, please apply via our website. All offers of employment are subject to successful security screening and continuous eligibility to work in the United Kingdom. If you require a visa to work in the UK we will help support your application should you be successful.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

We welcome applications from all backgrounds. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities, regardless of ethnicity, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, pregnancy, age, disability, or civil partnership, marital or family status. We particularly welcome applications from people who are Minority Ethnic as they are currently underrepresented in the Crick at this level. Diversity is essential to excellence in scientific endeavour. It increases breadth and perspective, leading to more innovation and creativity. We want the Crick to be a place where everyone feels valued and where diversity is celebrated and seen as part of the foundation for our Institute’s success.