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- Tasks: Join our team to design and optimise drug candidates for neurodegenerative diseases.
- Company: Be part of the Alzheimer's Research UK Drug Discovery Institute at UCL, a leader in dementia research.
- Benefits: Enjoy 41 days holiday, flexible working, and great perks like an on-site gym and nursery.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in drug discovery while collaborating with top scientists in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: PhD in chemistry or cheminformatics required; leadership experience preferred for senior role.
- Other info: Open to international applicants; commitment to diversity and inclusion is a priority.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 65000 £ per year.
About us
The Alzheimer\’s Research UK Drug Discovery Institute at University College London (ARUK UDDI) is a member of the Alzheimer\’s Research UK funded Dementia Discovery Alliance (DDA) – a highly successful trilogy of institutes (alongside Oxford and Cambridge) translating cutting-edge academic innovations into medicines for patients living with neurodegenerative diseases.
The ARUK UCL DDI, organisationally placed within the Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, is integrated into the world-renowned UCL Neuroscience community and closely aligned with the Dementia Research Institute at UCL.
About the role
We are now recruiting a Senior Research Fellow (Grade 8) to join the ARUK UDDI but will also consider candidates interested in being appointed as Research Fellow (Grade 7); please refer to the job description and person specification for detailed information regarding the expectations at each grade level.
Reporting to Head of Chemistry, Professor Matt Cheeseman, within the Medicinal Chemistry group, you will play a key role in the design and optimisation of novel small-molecule lead drug candidates and chemical biology tools to enable drug target validation and the progression of drug discovery programs towards patients. You will be responsible for the delivery of a portfolio of projects. As a member of project teams, you will work collaboratively with the project lead, the biology, screening and chemistry scientists within the ARUK UCL DDI, and established drug discovery experts across UCL and CROs, to develop small-molecule hits into robust lead candidate compounds.
The post is available immediately and funded by Alzheimer\’s Research UK until 30 April 2026 in the first instance.
If you need reasonable adjustments or a more accessible format to apply for this job online, or have any queries regarding the application process, please contact the Institute of Neurology HR Team ( ).
Informal enquiries regarding the role can be addressed to Professor Matt Cheeseman ( ).
A full job description and person specification for this role can be accessed below. To apply, please upload a current CV, complete the online application form, and use the supporting statement section or upload a cover letter to outline how you meet the essential and desirable criteria for the role. Please do not upload any additional attachments as these will not be considered by the selection panel.
About you
You\’ll have a PhD in chemistry or cheminformatics (or the equivalent level of research experience), detailed knowledge of computational techniques in drug discovery, and detailed knowledge of contemporary medicinal chemistry and drug design. Excellent planning and organisational skills with the ability to work to deadlines, and strong communication, interpersonal, and analytical skills are also essential for this role.
To be appointed a Senior Research Fellow (Grade 8) you will also have experience of leadership and line management, evidenced effectiveness as a coach and mentor to direct reports, and prior postdoctoral experience with an excellent academic record and evidence of creative work.
This role meets the eligibility requirements for a skilled worker certificate of sponsorship or a global talent visa under UK Visas and Immigration legislation. Therefore, UCL welcomes applications from international applicants who require a visa.
What we offer
Appointment as Research Fellow is graded as UCL Grade 7 with salary in the range £45,103 – £52,586 per annum including London Allowance.
Appointment as Senior Research Fellow is graded as UCL Grade 8 with salary in the range £54,931 – £64,644 per annum including London Allowance.
As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer great benefits, some of which are below:
- 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday 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
- On-site nursery
- On-site gym
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
- Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
- Discounted medical insurance
Visit to find out more.
We will consider applications to work on a part-time, flexible, and job share basis wherever possible.
This appointment is subject to UCL Terms and Conditions of Service for Research and Professional Services Staff. Please visit for more information.
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
The Institute prides itself on operating in an all-inclusive environment irrespective of personal, physical, or social characteristics. Teamwork is highly valued, individual strengths are recognised and celebrated, and we are committed to advancing the careers of everyone. 12% of Institute staff are actively working on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) initiatives; visit\”our EDI website\” for more information about our initiatives and priorities. The Institute also holds an Athena SWAN Silver award , in recognition of our commitment and demonstrable impact in advancing gender equality.
As London\’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, 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.
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, LGBTQI+ and gender diverse people in all roles, and women in Grade 9 and 10 roles. #J-18808-Ljbffr
Senior Research Fellow (Chemistry) employer: UCL
Contact Detail:
UCL Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Research Fellow (Chemistry)
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the field of medicinal chemistry and drug discovery. Attend relevant conferences or seminars where you can meet researchers and industry experts, including those from UCL and the Alzheimer’s Research UK Drug Discovery Institute.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest advancements in drug discovery techniques and computational methods. This knowledge will not only enhance your understanding but also demonstrate your commitment to staying current in the field during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Reach out to Professor Matt Cheeseman for an informal chat about the role. This can give you valuable insights into the team dynamics and expectations, and it shows your genuine interest in the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your leadership experience and how you've mentored others in your previous roles. Highlight specific examples that showcase your ability to lead projects and collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Research Fellow (Chemistry)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the expectations for both Senior Research Fellow and Research Fellow positions. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the specific requirements outlined.
Craft a Strong Supporting Statement: Use the supporting statement section or cover letter to clearly demonstrate how you meet the essential and desirable criteria for the role. Provide specific examples from your past work that showcase your expertise in chemistry, drug discovery, and leadership.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to emphasise your PhD in chemistry or cheminformatics, along with any postdoctoral experience. Discuss your knowledge of computational techniques and contemporary medicinal chemistry, as these are crucial for the role.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and supporting documents for any errors or inconsistencies. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are vital in a research environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at UCL
✨Know Your Research
Make sure you are well-versed in your own research and how it relates to the role. Be prepared to discuss your previous projects, methodologies, and findings in detail, as this will demonstrate your expertise and passion for the field.
✨Understand the Institute's Goals
Familiarise yourself with the Alzheimer’s Research UK Drug Discovery Institute's mission and recent projects. Showing that you understand their objectives and how your work can contribute will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to face technical questions related to medicinal chemistry and drug design. Brush up on computational techniques and be ready to discuss how you would apply them in real-world scenarios relevant to the institute's work.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
If you're applying for the Senior Research Fellow position, be prepared to discuss your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've mentored others or led projects, as this will highlight your capability to take on a senior role.
