We are looking for a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) with interest in commercialising scientific breakthroughs. The successful candidate will lead research on ERC PoC project PepVerse within Prof. Knowles’ research group at the Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry at the University of Cambridge. This is a unique opportunity to drive the commercialisation of a cutting-edge platform that accelerates peptide-based drug discovery.
Peptide-based drugs present significant advantages over existing molecular therapeutics. Their ability to target challenging biological sites and modulate intracellular functions¿capabilities beyond those of traditional small molecules and biologics¿make them a promising class of medicines. However, progress in this area has been limited by the absence of high-quality, large-scale protein¿peptide interaction datasets critical for rational, AI-driven peptide design. To address this challenge, as part of ERC Consolidator grant, Prof. Knowles’ research group developed a platform that enables high-throughput screening of peptide-based libraries against protein targets. The platform can be used to identify peptide-based binders across a variety of protein targets and provide starting points for drug discovery programmes. Moreover, it has the potential to create the world’s largest protein/peptide mimotope dataset foundational for advancing any peptide-based drug discovery programme. The ERC PoC PepVerse project focuses on increasing the technology readiness of this platform, transitioning it from a promising research tool to a commercially attractive platform.
Prof. Knowles’ research group uses experimental and computational biophysics and physical chemistry to study human health and disease with a particular focus on proteins and peptides. Prof. Knowles has founded and spun out five companies from his lab’s research, addressing critical challenges in biotechnology, drug development, and materials science.
The successful candidate will have (or be about to obtain) a PhD in biochemistry, molecular biology, protein sciences or a related discipline. Additional research experience in industry or a post-doctoral setting is a plus. Hands-on experience with a broad range of experimental technology in protein sciences and in working with peptides. A track record of publications that reflect professional expertise and robust problem solving skills. Excellent written and oral communication abilities, with a proven capacity to collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams and with industry partners. Proven ability to efficiently plan and execute multifaceted research projects with multiple inter-dependent components. Demonstrated ability to effectively leverage AI assistive technologies, such as ChatGTP and Claude, to streamline processes. Hands-on experience in developing mRNA display-based assays or in designing or utilising peptide libraries incorporating non-natural amino acids, is highly desirable. Strong analytical skills, proficiency in quantitative analysis of large datasets and working with pre-trained machine learning models is desirable but not essential.
Appointment at the Research Associate level is dependent on the award of a PhD. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will be appointed at the Research Assistant level, which will be amended to Research Associate once the award of the PhD has been confirmed.
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Please ensure that you upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV), a covering letter and include a publications list in the upload section of the online application. If you upload any additional documents that have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.
Informal enquiries can be addressed via email to Echo Williamson jw825@cam.ac.uk
Please quote reference MA45283 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
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