Research Assistant in Medicinal Chemistry

18021BR

Cardiff School of Chemistry

Research

Advert

Research Assistant in Medicinal Chemistry
Cardiff School of Chemistry and Medicines Discovery Institute
Cardiff University

The Medicines Discovery Institute are looking to attract an experienced medicinal chemist to design, synthesise and test novel fluorescent probes of VATP-ase. The project is funded by the MRC and is full-time for 9 months. The successful candidate will have broad experience in synthetic chemistry with demonstrable experience in synthesising structurally complex drug substances on a multigram scale. 

The post will be based at Cardiff University and will be part of a multi-disciplinary drug discovery team. For informal inquiries, please contact [email protected].

Further information is available at the following webpages:
Dr D. Heulyn Jones https://profiles.cardiff.ac.uk/staff/jonesd80

For informal enquiries about the role and the Cardiff School of Chemistry, please contact Dr D. Heulyn Jones ([email protected]).

For further details about working in Cardiff University please contact: Ms Caroline Pasmore ([email protected]; 44 (0)29 2087 4073 )

This position is full time (35 hours per week) and is available from immediately for 9 months.

To work for an employer that values and promotes equality of opportunity, please visit www.cardiff.ac.uk/jobs and search for vacancy number: 18021BR.

Salary: £32,332 - £34,980 per annum (Grade 5). We do not anticipate that an appointment be made above £32,223 per annum (Grade 5.25).

Important note: It is the University’s policy to use the person specification as a key tool for short-listing. Candidates should evidence that they meet ALL of the essential criteria as well as, where relevant, the desirable. As part of the application process you will be asked to provide this evidence via a supporting statement.  Please ensure that the evidence you are providing corresponds with the numbered criteria outlined below. Your application will be considered based on the information you provide under each element.

When attaching the supporting statement to your application profile, please ensure that you name it with the vacancy reference number, e.g. Supporting Statement for 18021BR.

Date Advertised: 17 January 2024
Closing date: 14 February 2024

Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds who have the ambition to create a University which seeks to fulfil our social, cultural and economic obligation to Cardiff, Wales, and the world. In supporting our employees to achieve a balance between their work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangements.

Cardiff University is a signatory to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), which means that in hiring and promotion decisions we will evaluate applicants on the quality of their research, not publication metrics or the identity of the journal in which the research is published. More information is available at:  Responsible research assessment - Research - Cardiff University

Job Description

Main function

To contribute to research within Medicinal Chemistry, carrying out supporting work that helps lead to the publishing of high-quality research. To pursue excellence in research and to inspire others to do the same.

To synthesise novel fluorescent probes of VATP-ase. To troubleshoot with synthetic challenges and contribute fully to the design, synthesis and testing of the probes.
Main Duties and Responsibilities

•            To undertake research, e.g. by planning, preparing, setting up, conducting and recording the outcome of experiments.

•            Actively participate within the research group, communicating and presenting research at meetings, through publications and other recognised avenues as appropriate, ensuring information is communicated to internal and external partners.

•            To contribute and support research publications and presentations as required.

•            To contribute and support research funding bids as required.

•            To analyse and communicate complex ideas, concepts and data using appropriate methods and packages
to resolve issues and support colleagues in devising procedures required to ensure accurate and timely reporting.

•            To generate research output and contribute to the development of independent  and original ideas as appropriate.

• To resolve issues and support colleagues in devising procedures required to ensure accurate and timely reporting.

•            To maintain and update area of specialist knowledge, researching and critically appraising relevant literature within the area.

Other
•            To participate in School administration and activities to promote the School and its work to the wider University and the outside world.

•            To undergo personal and professional development that is appropriate to and which will enhance performance.
•            To ensure that an understanding of the importance of confidentiality is applied when undertaking all duties.

•            To abide by the University policies on Health and Safety and Equality and Diversity.

•            Any other duties not included above, but consistent with the role.

Person Specification

IMPORTANT NOTE TO CANDIDATES: It is the University’s policy to use the person specification as a key tool for short-listing and we only invite candidates to interview who clearly evidence that they meet (or partially meet) each of the essential criteria. During the application process you will be asked to attach a supporting statement. This statement must outline how you meet the criteria below and we recommended formatting this by using each criteria as a sub-heading and providing your relevant experience/evidence below each sub-heading. It is crucial that you save your supporting statement with the vacancy number (e.g. 1234BR) in the filename as failure to do so may result in it being omitted from your application.

Essential Criteria

Qualifications and Education

1.           A degree in chemistry, biochemistry, or equivalent experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

2.           Knowledge of research methods and techniques within specialist field.

3.           Proven ability to analyse complex information and summarise appropriately.

4.           Knowledge and understanding of competitive research funding to be able to develop applications to funding bodies.

Communication and Team Working

5.           Proven communication skills, including presentation to various audiences.

6.           Excellent organisational and team-working skills.

Other

7.           Proven ability to demonstrate creativity, innovation and teamworking within work.

Desirable Criteria

1.           Postgraduate degree at PhD level (or nearing completion / submission) in chemistry, biochemistry, or relevant industrial experience.

2.           Evidence of collaborations with industry.

3.           Proven ability to work without close supervision.

4.           Proven ability to adapt to the changing requirements of the Higher Education community.

5.           Welsh language skills.

Additional Information

Additional Information

The Medicines Discovery Institute represents a major investment in translational science by Cardiff University. The goal of the Institute is to translate world-leading research on scientific understanding of disease mechanisms into innovative therapeutic approaches. Our vision is to play a leading role in discovering new medicines in areas of high unmet need, with a particular emphasis on neuroscience, mental health, and cancer. We are creating a vibrant community of researchers across both academic and biotech sectors engaged in major research programmes which build off the unique strengths of Cardiff University and work collaboratively with other universities and companies across Wales and internationally.

Job Category

Academic - Research