Research Fellow - Chemoinformatics (Future Medicines Institute)

Background:

The newly funded Future Medicines Institute (FMI) will be a collaborative innovation centre developed as a focal point to enable industry, academia and health professionals to drive research and development in the Life and Health Sciences (LHS) sector. It will build upon and exploit Northern Ireland’s recognised capabilities and strengths in oncology and digital health to accelerate the development of biomarker-led products. The Institute’s vision is a partnership of Northern Ireland’s leading pharmaceutical, diagnostics and health analytics companies, alongside academic institutions and government agencies.

Job Purpose:

The post holder will develop computational drug discovery techniques for FMI.  Working across project teams, this Research Fellow role will involve the use of cutting-edge computational methods (structure/ligand-based design, AI/ML, virtual screening, chemo/bioinformatics, data-mining etc) to effectively advance programs with creative solutions and insights.  The post will require a dynamic self-starter with an eagerness to learn who will be an integral member of the FMI team. They must exhibit excellent people skills, accountability and the ambition to thrive within a highly interactive, fastpaced team.

About the person:

The successful candidate must have, and your application should clearly demonstrate that you meet the following essential criteria:

• Degree in chemistry, biochemistry, computer science or mathematics.
• Have or be about to obtain a relevant PhD.(must be obtained within 3 months of date of interview) Significant, relevant research experience.
• Experience in Chemoinformatics in a University, academic institute, or industrial setting.
• An expert level user of HPC infrastructure / Linux systems.
• Able to implement key R and / or Python packages.
• An expert level user of CADD software e.g. MOE or Schrodinger.
• Track record of publications commensurate with stage of career.
• Experience in  lab project supervision.

To be successful at shortlisting stage, please ensure you clearly evidence in your application how you meet the essential and, where applicable, desirable criteria listed in the Candidate Information.

Fixed term contract posts are available for the stated period in the first instance but in particular circumstances may be renewed or made permanent subject to availability of funding.

What we offer:

Beyond a competitive salary, the University offers an attractive benefits package including a holiday entitlement of up to 8.4 weeks a year, pension schemes and development opportunities. We support staff wellbeing with flexible working options, work-life balance initiatives and support for physical and mental health. You can find more detail on all of this and more at https://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/HumanResources/pay-reward-and-benefits/ . 

Queen's University is committed to promoting equality of opportunity to all. We subscribe to Equality Charter Marks such as the Diversity Charter Mark NI and Athena Swan and have established staff networks such as iRise (Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic and International Staff Network) and PRISM (LGBTQ+) which help us progress equality.

For further information on our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, please visit www.qub.ac.uk/diversity .

Candidate Information

Further information for international applicants