Postdoctoral Fellow
Postdoctoral Research Associate in Transmembrane Machines Full-time
The research group
We are a synthetic chemistry group established in 2021, working in supramolecular and biological chemistry, and nanotechnology. We work in the Francis Crick Institute in London, and at the Department of Chemistry at King’s College London. Our research looks at how we can apply Supramolecular Chemistry in Biological settings. The McTernan Group aims to apply recent breakthroughs in artificial molecular machines and metal-organic capsules in biologically relevant settings. We work with rotaxanes, catenanes and capsules to synthesise functional architectures, creating de novo catalytic enzyme analogues, artificial cellular receptors, and generating targeted drug delivery vehicles. Find out more about our work at our website.
Project summary
Our research looks at how we can apply Supramolecular Chemistry in Biological settings. Supramolecular Chemistry is the study of intermolecular, non-covalent interactions. These non-covalent interactions are critical to protein folding, DNA base pairing, and cellular signalling. Supramolecular Chemistry applies these same principles to create artificial systems capable of performing complex tasks. The McTernan Group aims to apply recent breakthroughs in artificial molecular machines and metal-organic capsules in biologically relevant settings. We work with rotaxanes, catenanes and capsules to synthesise functional architectures, creating de novo catalytic enzyme analogues, artificial cellular receptors, and generating targeted drug delivery vehicles.
In this project, the successful candidate will work synthesise sequence-specifically modified peptide sequences, and incorporate them in metal-organic capsules. This will be used to create precisely tailored internal cavities, capable of targeted guest binding. These will then be applied as sensors, drug delivery vehicles, and de novo catalytic enzymes. The successful candidate will collaborate widely both within the group, and across the Crick and King’s. This role would suit a team player who enjoys juggling multiple projects, and building relationships across disciplines.
Research Associates are expected to lead their own projects, contribute to other projects on a collaborative basis (both in the lab and with external collaborators) and guide PhD students in their research. The ability to work in a team is essential.
International applicants welcome.
This post will be offered on an a fixed-term contract for 2 years, with the possibility of extension, dependent on funding.
This is a full-time post
Key responsibilities
Some of the specific aims for this role are, but not limited to:
Investigating research questions and developing specific research project(s) under guidance from Group Leader
Providing specialist advice and guidance, sharing knowledge and expertise for the benefit of others
Providing significant contribution to the production of research papers for publication, presenting findings to group members and other internal audiences
Presenting work externally at international meetings
Authoring papers under guidance from Group Leader
Following Postdoctoral Training programme
Developing academic independence
Improving established protocols and/or develops new protocols
Supervision of junior researchers
The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.
Skills, knowledge, and experience
The post holder should embody and demonstrate our core Crick values: bold, imaginative, open, dynamic and collegial, in addition to the following:
Essential
• PhD in Supramolecular or Peptide Chemistry (or in the final stages of PhD submission)
• Expertise in organic synthesis
• Track record of writing papers as evidenced by publications or submitted manuscripts in referred journals
• Evidence of data presentation at scientific meetings
• Experience of experimental design
• Ability to work independently and within a group
• Eager to learn new techniques
Desirable
• Experience in metal-organic capsules
• Experience in peptide chemistry
• Experience in host-guest chemistry
• Evidence of a creative and collaborative approach
Further information
Please include in your application:
• An up-to-date CV
• A personal statement
• Research summary (no more than 2 pages)