Salary for this Role:
From £45,500 with benefits, subject to skills and experience
Job Title:
Postdoctoral Project Research Scientist- McTernan labReports to:
Charlie McTernan [C]Closing Date:
02/Dec/2025 23.59 GMTJob Description:
Job Title: Postdoctoral Project Research - McTernan lab
Details of the role:
Reporting to: Charlie McTernan, Group Leader
Contract: This is a full-time, fixed term [15 month] position on Crick terms and conditions of employment.
Application closing date: 2nd of December at 11.59pm
About us
The Francis Crick Institute is Europe’s largest biomedical research institute under one roof. Our world-class scientists and staff collaborate on vital research to help prevent, diagnose and treat illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, infectious diseases and neurodegenerative conditions.
The Crick is a place for collaboration, innovation and exploration across many disciplines. A space where the brightest minds can pursue big and bold ideas and discover answers to crucial scientific questions. We support them in a dynamic environment which fosters excellence with state-of-the-art infrastructure, cutting-edge facilities, and a creative and curious culture. We’ve removed traditional boundaries of departments, divisions and disciplines and instead have an open approach that supports every researcher. This gives us the freedom to take risks and carry out high-quality, pioneering research. Creating a space for discovery without boundaries helps us to turn our science into benefits for human health and the economy.
About the role
The McTernan Group are a synthetic chemistry group working in supramolecular and biological chemistry, and nanotechnology. We look at how we can apply Supramolecular Chemistry in Biological settings.
We aim to apply recent breakthroughs in artificial molecular machines, high-affinity host-guest chemistry, and metal-organic capsules, in biologically relevant settings. We work with rotaxanes, catenanes, macrocycles and capsules to synthesise functional architectures, creating de novo catalytic enzyme analogues, artificial cellular receptors, and targeted drug delivery vehicles. We also work to create supramolecular analogues of known therapeutic modalities. We work both in basic science, and on translational applications.
Details of research projects currently being undertaken can be seen at: mcternanresearchgroup.com
The Project
This project is a translational and basic research project, looking to apply supramolecular chemistry to create mechanically interlocked peptides, with targeted applications in supramolecular drug delivery systems. You will synthesise bespoke peptides and macrocycles, then combine them to form mechanical bonds. You will conduct in cellulo tests, and liaise with skilled colleagues on in vivo testing. You will also contribute to wider projects in the laboratory as your skills and interest dictate.
This is an exciting opportunity where you will be supported to develop new skills at the interface of chemistry with biology, with support from world-leading Science and Technology Platform scientists.
There will be opportunities to work across the group, from advanced organic synthesis, host-guest studies, peptide synthesis, antibody-drug conjugate design, and lipid nanoparticle optimisation, to biological assays, managing contract research organisations, and liaising with the Biological Research Facility.
What you will be doing
You will:
Investigating research questions and developing specific research project(s) under guidance from Group Leader
Providing specialist advice and guidance, sharing knowledge and expertise for the benefit of others
Providing a significant contribution to the production of research papers for publication, presenting findings to group members and other internal and external audiences
Develop ideas for generating research income, and present detailed research proposals
Act as a source of information and advice to other members of the group on scientific protocols and experimental techniques.
Have a pro-active approach to the management of health and safety protocols and play a leading role within the group in ensuring compliance with safety policy.
Acting as a leader within the group, helping to maintain a collaborative, kind, and supportive research environment; helping group members to achieve their potential.
Click here to read more about the lab
About you
You will have:
PhD in Synthetic Organic Chemistry and/or and/or Chemical Biology and/or Supramolecular Chemistry and/or Solid-Phase Peptide Synthesis or related field.
Expertise in organic synthesis at a high level*
Track record of writing papers as evidenced by impactful publications in referred journals or submitted manuscripts *
Evidence of data presentation at scientific meetings
Evidence of ability to supervise and educate junior co-workers and take part in joint projects*
Be willing to lead the organisation and management of the laboratory, assuming a share of group responsibilities, showing excellent organisational and leadership skills
A pro-active approach to management of laboratory safety*
*Minimum requirements
Please see the full job description here.
About Working at the Crick
Our values
Everyone who works at the Crick has a valuable role to play in advancing the Crick’s mission and shaping our culture!
We are bold. We make space for creative, dynamic and imaginative ideas and approaches. We’re not afraid to do things differently.
We are open. We’re highly collaborative and interactive, and make sure our activities are visible to the outside world.
We are collegial. We show respect for one another, work cooperatively and support the wider community.
At the Francis Crick Institute, we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential to driving innovation and scientific discovery. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed, regardless of their background, identity, or personal circumstances. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all genders, ethnicities, abilities, and experiences. We are a Disability Confident: Committed employer and want to ensure that everyone can apply and be part of our recruitment processes and so we'll make reasonable adjustments if you need them - just let us know when you apply. If you need assistance with applying (i.e., would like to apply by phone or post) please email: karen.au@crick.ac.uk
Find out more about life at the Crick.
What will you receive?
At the Francis Crick Institute, we value our team members and are proud to offer an extensive range of benefits to support their well-being and development:
Visas: Applicants for this role will be eligible for sponsorship to work in the UK
Generous Leave: 28 days of annual leave, plus three additional days over Christmas and bank holidays.
Pension Scheme: Defined contribution pension with employer contributions of up to 16%.
Health & Well-being:
24/7 GP consultation services.
Occupational health services and mental health support programs.
Eye care vouchers and discounted healthcare plans.
Work-Life Balance:
Back-up care for dependents.
Childcare support allowance.
Annual leave purchase options.
Crick Networks offering diverse groups’ support, community and inclusive social events.
Perks:
Discounted gym memberships, bike-to-work scheme, and shopping discounts.
Subsidised on-site restaurant and social spaces for team interaction.
Please note you must meet the essential criteria listed within the Role Profile, to have your application reviewed.
We reserve the right to withdraw this advert at any given time due to the number of applications received.