Research Associate in Chemical Biology

Location: Francis Crick Institute

About the role:

We are seeking two ambitious and creative chemical biologists to join the group of Prof Ed Tate at Imperial College and the Francis Crick Institute, with key roles in our Molecular Glue (MG) Discovery Prosperity Partnership with AstraZeneca. Up to two positions are available, starting on or before 01 October 2025.

The newly funded Molecular Glue Discovery Partnership represents an exciting new research partnership between the Francis Crick Institute and Imperial College working in close collaboration with AstraZeneca. Our aim is to unlock new principles of MG discovery, reveal novel MG biology, and exploit the revolutionary therapeutic potential of molecular glue degraders by developing systematic approaches to exploit endogenous protein degradation pathways to target intractable disease-relevant proteins or protein complexes. By combining fundamental biology with proteomics, high throughput screening, protein engineering and chemical biology approaches, we seek to discover and develop new molecular glues to induce degradation of proteins of interests through the ubiquitin proteasome system or autophagy.

What you would be doing:

Your role will be to drive discovery and medicinal chemistry optimisation of novel molecular glues, based on starting points discovered through a wide range of biochemical, computational, structural and cellular screening technologies spearheaded by the Partnership. In collaboration with the full team of the Partnership, you will determine the detailed molecular mechanism of action of these glues and unveil new modes of MG degrader activity across diverse targets and effectors (UPS, autophagy). Further details will be discussed in confidence with shortlisted candidates.

Both the Partnership and the Tate group are culturally diverse and highly multidisciplinary, with project teams encompassing scientists at all levels of experience and from a variety of backgrounds (chemical biology, cell biology, proteomics, cancer biology, drug discovery, etc.). Postdocs are expected to take full responsibility to initiate and run projects, co-lead collaborative teams, and engage in co-supervision of Master and PhD level students. We are looking for candidates who can thrive in this dynamic and creative environment.

What we are looking for:

Essential criteria for the role include:

• Hold, or near completion of, a PhD in chemical biology, medicinal chemistry, or a closely related field; or an equivalent level of professional qualifications and experience
• Experience in design and optimisation of small molecule ligands
• A strong research track record relative to experience, in academia and/or industry
• Independent capability and creativity in idea generation and experimental design
• Ability to mentor junior researchers, and to set and attain research objectives as part of a multidisciplinary team

What we can offer you:

This work is funded through a 5-year, £11.2M public-industry initiative, and brings together bringing together a team of 12 postdoctoral biochemists, cell, structural and chemical biologists and several PhD students working across a dozen laboratories and scientific technology platforms (STPs) at the Francis Crick Institute and Imperial College London, and a team of scientists with complementary industrial expertise engaged in the Partnership at AstraZeneca.

https://www.imperial.ac.uk/news/245036/new-partnership-will-molecular-glues-tackle/

Further Information

You will be based at the Francis Crick Institute and travel to White City Campus will be required.

Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as a Research Assistant.

If you require any further details on the role please contact: Prof Tate – e.tate@imperial.ac.uk