At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative research in drug discovery at the intersection of chemistry and biology.
- Company: University of Bath, renowned for its collaborative and inclusive research environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, professional development, and a supportive workplace culture.
- Other info: Access to state-of-the-art labs and vibrant cross-faculty community.
- Why this job: Join a prestigious fellowship to make a real impact in drug discovery and innovation.
- Qualifications: Strong background in chemistry and interest in molecular technologies.
The predicted salary is between 47389 - 56535 € per year.
The Departments of Life Sciences and Chemistry invite applications for a Prize Fellowship in Drug Discovery, an exceptional opportunity for an emerging research leader to develop an independent, internationally recognised programme at the interface of chemistry and biology. The position will be run as a joint appointment across the two departments. This prestigious Fellowship is aligned with the new Centre for Drug Discovery (CDD), a cross-faculty initiative bringing together chemists, biologists, data scientists and engineers to accelerate drug discovery through innovation in synthesis, screening, computation and translation.
CDD will focus on emerging modalities and enabling technologies from cyclic small molecules, peptides, antibodies and macrocycles that explore new 3D chemical space, to AI-guided synthesis, flow automation and direct-to-biology screening. By coupling Bath’s strengths in synthetic chemistry, chemical and structural biology, and advanced delivery science, the Centre will provide a distinctive environment for developing next-generation molecular tools and therapeutic leads.
We seek a creative and collaborative scientist tackling fundamental challenges in contemporary drug discovery, ideally with a strong grounding in chemistry and an interest in applying molecular or computational technologies to biological problems. While we encourage applications from a range of backgrounds, we particularly welcome candidates whose research aligns with one or more of the following areas:
- Medicinal chemistry for emerging modalities such as peptides, molecular glues, PROTACs, ADCs or covalent inhibitors
- Innovative screening approaches, e.g. DNA-encoded libraries, affinity-selection mass spectrometry, chemoproteomics or AI/ML-driven virtual screening.
- Computational drug discovery including molecular design, macrocycle conformations, docking, or predictive models for permeability and pharmacokinetics.
The Bath Prize Fellowship offers three years of protected research time and the opportunity for a permanent academic appointment, subject to performance. Fellows will have access to state-of-the-art laboratories for automation, high-throughput synthesis, compound screening and advanced computation, and will join a vibrant cross-faculty community engaging with industry, the regional GW4 innovation network and opportunity to benefit from the South-West Life Science network.
Drug discovery at Bath is driven by close integration between Life Sciences and Chemistry, uniting expertise in peptide design, synthetic chemistry, chemoproteomics and computational modelling. Core strengths include chemical and structural biology, pharmacology and antibiotic discovery, with projects spanning early-stage molecular design through to pre-clinical mechanism-of-action studies. Life Sciences provides cutting-edge laboratories for molecular and cellular biology, microbiology and pharmaceutical sciences, including tissue-culture suites, automated liquid handling and a zebrafish facility for in vivo pharmacology. Chemistry complements this with world-class infrastructure for automated and flow synthesis, compound characterisation (MS, NMR, DReaM Facility) and access to Bath’s High-Performance Computing and AI/ML platforms for virtual screening and molecular design. Both departments have a strong track record in innovation with a number of spin out companies. Together, these resources offer an exceptional environment for innovative researchers to develop and test new approaches to molecular discovery.
For informal enquiries, please contact Dr Scott Lovell, Life Sciences or Dr Alex Cresswell, Chemistry, co-leads of the Bath Centre for Drug Discovery. Please ensure applications are submitted via the University’s online system. Alongside the online form, please upload a full CV.
We are committed to providing a supportive and inclusive working environment for all staff, including mentorship and flexible working arrangements. The Departments of Life Science, Chemistry and the University currently hold Athena SWAN Silver awards, and we are working to further improve equality, diversity and inclusion for the benefit of all staff. If you would like to discuss any issues or other aspects of the working environment with a member of staff who is not involved in the recruitment process, please contact Prof Stephen Husbands, Director of Research in the Department of Life Sciences.
We’re continually expanding our benefits package to better support you and enhance your experience with us and the below is just an example of some of the many great benefits we offer:
- Free counselling services through Health Assured
- Cycle to work scheme
- Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
- Staff discount at Team Bath gym
- Staff discounts on postgraduate tuition fees
- Staff discount on language courses
- Generous employer contributory pension schemes
- Generous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days so that you can enjoy a positive work life balance
- A wide range of personal and professional development opportunities including Apprenticeships, LinkedIn Learning and more
- Free entry to the Holburne Museum in Bath
- Local discounts and more
- A family-friendly workplace
- An excellent reward package that recognises the talents of our diverse workforce
- Relocation allowance
- Visa reimbursement and Interest-Free Loan to help with the cost of some immigration expenses
Find out more about our benefits and watch the video to hear from our staff about what makes the University of Bath a great place to work.
Closing Date: 26 May 2026
Department: Education & Research
Salary: £47,389 to £56,535
Prize Fellow in Drug Discovery (SS13517) - Bath, BA2 7AY employer: University of Bath
The University of Bath is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and collaborative work culture that fosters innovation in drug discovery. With access to state-of-the-art laboratories and a supportive environment focused on employee growth, the Prize Fellowship provides a unique opportunity to engage with cutting-edge research while enjoying a generous benefits package, including flexible working arrangements and professional development opportunities. Located in the picturesque city of Bath, employees benefit from a family-friendly workplace and a strong commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Prize Fellow in Drug Discovery (SS13517) - Bath, BA2 7AY
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to the Centre for Drug Discovery. Attend events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to express your enthusiasm for drug discovery and how your background aligns with their goals. A genuine interest can set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the latest trends in drug discovery. Brush up on topics like AI-driven virtual screening or innovative screening approaches. Being well-informed will help you impress interviewers and demonstrate your commitment to the field.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our vibrant community at Bath. So, get that CV polished and hit submit!
We think you need these skills to ace Prize Fellow in Drug Discovery (SS13517) - Bath, BA2 7AY
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience in drug discovery and related fields. We want to see how your background aligns with the exciting work happening at the Centre for Drug Discovery.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about drug discovery and how your research interests fit with our goals. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm show!
Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit:Since this role involves working across departments, emphasise your collaborative experiences. We love seeing examples of how you've worked with others to tackle complex problems in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through the University’s online system. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Bath
✨Know Your Research
Make sure you’re well-versed in your own research and how it aligns with the Centre for Drug Discovery's goals. Be ready to discuss your previous work, especially if it involves medicinal chemistry or innovative screening approaches.
✨Showcase Collaboration Skills
This role is all about collaboration across departments. Prepare examples of past teamwork experiences, particularly those that involved chemists, biologists, or data scientists. Highlight how you contributed to a successful project through effective communication and cooperation.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions on specific methodologies related to drug discovery, such as AI-driven virtual screening or molecular design. Brush up on these topics and be ready to explain your understanding and any relevant experience you have.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the future direction of the Centre for Drug Discovery or how they envision integrating new technologies into their research. This shows your genuine interest and enthusiasm for the role.
