Research Fellow in Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery

Are you an ambitious researcher looking for your next challenge? Do you have an established background in biochemistry or drug discovery? Do you want to further your career in one of the UKs leading research intensive Universities?

We seek to appoint a Research Fellow in Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery to work on exciting new targets in ubiquitin signaling biology, with a particular emphasis on deubiquitylating enzymes (DUBs). The fellow will work closely with teams led by Prof. Adam Nelson and Prof. Elton Zeqiraj at the Astbury Centre, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK. The position is available for two years. 

The project will focus on the chemical biology of small-molecule inhibitors of enzyme complexes involved in ubiquitin cell signalling regulation. A major aspect of the post is applying workflows (developed in the Nelson group) that integrate plate-based chemistry, mass spectrometry and automated data analysis, to discover new chemical tools. You will also develop assays to uncover inhibitor mode of action and target engagement in vitro and in cells. The position will suit someone interested in small molecule ligand discovery and drug design, protein structure and cell signalling biology.

You should have, or be very close to completing, a PhD in Chemical Biology, Chemistry, or a related discipline. A background in ligand discovery, and experience with setting up assays to study small molecule ligands and protein-protein interactions will be advantageous. Experience with deubiquitylases (DUBs) or E3 ligases and past participation in early-stage drug discovery activities or target engagement studies would also be beneficial. 

What we offer in return

• 26 days holiday plus approx.16 Bank Holidays/days that the University is closed by custom (including Christmas) – That’s 42 days a year!
• Generous pension scheme plus life assurance– the University contributes 14.5% of salary
• Health and Wellbeing: Discounted staff membership options at The Edge, our state-of-the-art Campus gym, with a pool, sauna, climbing wall, cycle circuit, and sports halls.
• Personal Development: Access to courses run by our Organisational Development & Professional Learning team.
• Access to on-site childcare, shopping discounts and travel schemes are also available.

And much more!  

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact:

Adam Nelson, Professor of Chemical Biology

Email: A.S.Nelson@leeds.ac.uk

 Or

Elton Zeqiraj

Email: e.zeqiraj@leeds.ac.uk

View All Vacancies