The University of Dundee is inviting applications for an exceptional Post-Doctoral Research Assistant (PDRA) in Synthetic Medicinal Chemistry or Chemical Biology to join the world-renowned Centre for Targeted Protein Degradation (CeTPD) within the groundbreaking CONTROL-MITO project team.
Overview & Key Details
| Designation | Post-Doctoral Research Assistant (Ref: UOD2284 / 7020) |
|---|---|
| Research Area | Synthetic Medicinal Chemistry / Chemical Biology / Targeted Protein Degradation |
| Host Institution | University of Dundee (Centre for Targeted Protein Degradation) |
| Location | Dundee, Scotland, United Kingdom |
| Salary | £37,649 to £46,049 per annum |
| Contract Type | Full-Time, Fixed-Term (18 Months) |
| Application Deadline | 21st September 2026 |
Job Summary
This position is an outstanding opportunity to work at the leading edge of chemical biology and targeted protein degradation (TPD). The postholder will design, synthesise, and characterise novel chemical probes aimed at inducing protein–protein proximity inside the mitochondrial matrix. Co-supervised by Professor Alessio Ciulli and Dr Will Farnaby, the role operates within a multi-institutional, interdisciplinary network including collaborators at the University of Glasgow and the University of Edinburgh.
Job Description & Key Responsibilities
Working within an iterative design–make–test–analyse (DMTA) cycle, the successful candidate will:
- Design and synthesise novel heterobifunctional chemical probes and proximity-inducing molecules targeting the mitochondrial matrix.
- Apply linker chemistry and conjugation strategies relevant to bifunctional probes (e.g., PROTACs, molecular glues, BromoTag, dTAG, HaloTag).
- Utilise structural and biophysical data (such as SPR, TR-FRET, AlphaLISA, ITC, and NanoBRET) to guide iterative compound design and prioritisation.
- Perform analytical chemistry techniques for compound profiling and characterisation using HPLC-MS and NMR.
- Collaborate closely with paired biophysicists, structural biologists, and mitochondrial cell biologists across the research network to evaluate target engagement, cellular uptake, and functional activity.
- Maintain high scientific standards with open, rigorous, and reproducible methodologies.
Eligibility & Qualifications
Essential Requirements:
- A PhD in Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Chemical Biology, or a closely related discipline.
- An outstanding academic track record with at least one co-authored research publication in an internationally recognized peer-reviewed journal.
- Strong background and proven hands-on expertise in organic synthesis and synthetic route design, including multi-step synthesis of complex small molecules.
- A rigorous, open, and reproducible approach to scientific inquiry.
Desirable Experience:
- Proven track record in designing and synthesising complex heterobifunctional chemical probes, PROTACs, or molecular glues.
- Familiarity with structure-based or fragment-based drug design (SBDD/FBDD) principles and translating structural data into medicinal chemistry hypotheses.
- Experience with proximity-inducing chemical biology tools, degron tags, or chemically inducible proximity (CIP) systems.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should apply directly through the official University of Dundee / jobs.ac.uk recruitment portal before the closing date. For informal scientific enquiries about the role, prospective applicants may contact Professor Alessio Ciulli (a.ciulli@dundee.ac.uk) or Dr Will Farnaby (w.farnaby@dundee.ac.uk).
Last Date for Apply: 21st September 2026
Click Here to View Official Notice and Apply Online
