Research Associate

Applications are invited for a Research Associate to develop novel radiotracers for human PET application. The post is funded by Radiopharm Theranostics and addresses the challenge of design and synthesis of chemical probes for imaging and therapy including iodine-based theranostics. The post-holder will i) design small molecule, peptide and macromolecule radiotracers for labelling, ii) develop synthetic routes, automation, formulation and analysis of such vectors for human application, and iii) support clinical translation and manufacture. The successful candidate will work under the direction of Professor Eric Aboagye.

• To design and synthesise precursors and molecular probes for imaging studies. To analyse these probes as part of the chemistry development programme by methods such as NMR, mass spectrometry and chromatography


• To support radiolabelling activities, metabolite analysis and imaging/therapy studies


• To take initiatives in the planning of research


• To direct the work of small research teams


• To identify and develop suitable techniques, and apparatus, for the collection and analysis of data


• To conduct data analysis


• To ensure the validity and reliability of data at all times


• To maintain accurate and complete records of all findings


• To write reports for submission to research sponsors

• Research Associate: Hold a PhD in chemistry and/or radiochemistry, or a closely related discipline, or equivalent research, industrial or commercial experience


• Research Assistant: Near completion of a PhD in chemistry and/or radiochemistry, or a closely related discipline, or equivalent research, industrial or commercial experience

*Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as Research Assistant.

• Applicants must demonstrate how they meet the criteria as outlined in the person specification but in particular, must have a PhD or equivalent qualification.


• Additionally, applicants must have experience of radiochemistry, medicinal/synthetic organic chemistry, molecular probe discovery and development, metabolism and physiochemical property testing and analytical methods (NMR, MS, HPLC).


• It is also essential that applicants have attained experience of radiochemistry methods, design and synthesis of small molecules, peptides or antibodies and in solution and solid phase synthetic chemistry methodologies.


• Proven ability in the use of analytical techniques such as NMR, Mass Spec and HPLC is desirable.

This position is part-time (0.64 FTE) and fixed term until November 2023. The post holder will be based at the Hammersmith Hospital Campus (East Acton).

Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as a Research Assistant within the salary range £38,194 - £41,388 per annum.

For informal enquiries, please contact Professor Eric Aboagye [email protected] .

Further information in relation to the research interests and activities of Professor Aboagye and his group can be located: http://www.imperial.ac.uk/people/eric.aboagye .

The College is currently trialling a Work Location Framework until early 2023.  Hybrid working may be considered for this role and the role holder may be expected to work 60% or more of their time onsite, with 40% the minimum time spent onsite.  The opportunity for hybrid working will be discussed at interview.

The College is a proud signatory to the San-Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA),which means that in hiring and promotion decisions, we evaluate applicants on the quality of their work, not the journal impact factor where it is published. For more information, see out-imperial-research/research-evaluation/">https://www.imperial.ac.uk/research-and-innovation/about-imperial-research/research-evaluation/

The College believes that the use of animals in research is vital to improve human and animal health and welfare. Animals may only be used in research programmes where their use is shown to be necessary for developing new treatments and making medical advances. Imperial is committed to ensuring that, in cases where this research is deemed essential, all animals in the College’s care are treated with full respect, and that all staff involved with this work show due consideration at every level.

http://www.imperial.ac.uk/research-and-innovation/about-imperial-research/research-integrity/animal-research /