At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative research in AI for biomolecular design and teach the next generation of scientists.
- Company: Join UCL's Division of Biosciences, a hub for cutting-edge biological research.
- Benefits: Enjoy 41 days of holiday, a competitive pension scheme, and on-site facilities.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse community committed to equality and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in life sciences with your expertise in AI and molecular interactions.
- Qualifications: PhD in a relevant field and experience in research-led teaching required.
The predicted salary is between 47250 - 57750 £ per year.
The Division of Biosciences at UCL is a major centre for research and teaching in the biological sciences, fostering curiosity-driven research that spans molecules to ecosystems. Within Biosciences, the Research Department of Structural & Molecular Biology (SMB) provides a stimulating and diverse research environment where important and exciting areas of modern biology, biophysics, biochemistry, biotechnology and medicine are investigated at the atomic, molecular, cellular and organism level.
We are recruiting a Lecturer (Assistant Professor equivalent) or Associate Professor in AI for Biomolecular Design & Molecular Interactions to expand our strengths in Computational Biology and Bioinformatics as applied to research surrounding Modelling and Design of Life. This role also forms part of AI for Life, a major programme across Biosciences in computational and artificial intelligence-driven life sciences.
An exciting development in AI-driven biosciences is the development of predictive and generative models of biomolecular interactions, spanning protein-ligand, protein-protein, and protein-nucleic acid systems. Next-generation approaches that integrate structural, thermodynamic and sequence-level information to model binding specificity, affinity, and conformational dynamics, and on translating these insights into the rational design of novel molecules and interaction networks, will enable precise control of biomolecular interactions and functions.
This is an exciting opportunity to become a Lecturer/Associate Professor at UCL. The successful candidate will take an active role in the Research Department of Structural & Molecular Biology (SMB), developing an international standard, competitive research programme, conducting teaching and training of undergraduate and postgraduate students, and supporting the Departmental vision of creating an impact on the life of the University and the society.
The successful candidate will establish (at Grade 8) or expand (at Grade 9) a research and teaching programme centred on original, AI-driven approaches for biomolecular design, with a focus on molecular recognition and interaction engineering. We are particularly interested in candidates with a track record of developing innovative approaches combining elements of structural biology, biophysics, quantitative biology and machine learning, to understand and design interactions between proteins, small molecules, and nucleic acids.
This new research programme will be fully embedded within research activities of SMB, providing opportunities for fruitful interactions between experimentalists and theoreticians, shaping and expanding new research directions. The postholder will play a pivotal role in SMB's teaching activities, contributing teaching in relevant areas (e.g. computational biology, protein-nucleic acid/small molecule interactions, protein/biomolecular design) at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, including a new cross-division MRes AI for Bioscience.
This appointment is subject to UCL Terms and Conditions of Service for Academic Staff. For informal queries about the post, please contact Professor Franca Fraternali (f.fraternali@ucl.ac.uk). For queries about the application process, or to request reasonable adjustments or a more accessible format to apply for the job online, please contact the FLS HR team on fls.hr@ucl.ac.uk.
You will have a PhD or equivalent qualification in a relevant field and an innovative research agenda in AI for Biomolecular Designs and Molecular Interactions, Computational Biology applied to Molecular Biosystems or in a closely related area with clear quantitative and data science strength. You will have experience of research-led teaching at undergraduate and/or postgraduate level, with a strong interest in interdisciplinary working, external engagement and translational impact. You will also show the potential to build collaborative partnerships, attract research funding, and contribute to an inclusive and ambitious academic environment.
As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits:
- 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave, 8 bank holidays and 6 closure days)
- Additional 5 days' annual leave purchase scheme
- Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
- Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
- Immigration loan
- Relocation scheme for certain posts
- On-Site nursery
- On-site gym
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
- Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
- Discounted medical insurance
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion: As London's Global University, we know that diversity and inclusion are fundamental drivers of creativity, innovation, and excellence, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world's talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong, thrive, and reach our full potential. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL's workforce. These include people from Black, Asian, and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women. Our department holds an Athena SWAN Silver award, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality.
Lecturer/Associate Professor in Artificial Intelligence for Biomolecular Design & Molecular Interact employer: UCL
The Faculty of Social and Historical Sciences offers a dynamic and supportive work environment, where your contributions to student recruitment and marketing will be valued. With a strong emphasis on professional development, you will have opportunities to grow your skills in higher education admissions and digital marketing while collaborating with a diverse team dedicated to excellence in teaching and research. Located in a vibrant academic community, this role provides a unique chance to engage with prospective students and make a meaningful impact on their educational journey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lecturer/Associate Professor in Artificial Intelligence for Biomolecular Design & Molecular Interact
✨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 UCL. 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 UCL!
We think you need these skills to ace Lecturer/Associate Professor in Artificial Intelligence for Biomolecular Design & Molecular Interact
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 UCL 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 UCL.
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 UCL 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 UCL
✨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 UCL. 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 UCL'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 UCL. This shows your passion for the industry!
