Postdoctoral Project Research Scientist - McTernan Lab

Postdoctoral Project Research Scientist - McTernan lab

Details of the role:

Salary: From £43,210 with benefits, subject to skills and experience

Closing date: 2nd February 2025

Contact term: This is a full-time, fixed term 12 month position on Crick terms and conditions of employment.

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 aims to apply recent breakthroughs in artificial molecular machines and metal-organic capsules in biologically relevant settings. If you have a PhD in Synthetic Organic Chemistry, Chemical Biology or in a similar field, this is an excellent opportunity to join our lab.

This role will focus on optimising the structure of a novel high-affinity binder, and undertaking binding studies/assays to probe activity. Scaling up synthesis, and challenging separations, will be a key part of this role. We are looking for a skilled chemist, who is ready to contribute, learn and grown. If this is you, click the apply button to find out more about this role.

You will be part of a collaborative lab of 14 people, working in groups, including 6 Postdocs and 8 PhD Students. You will have opportunities collaborate internally and externally, working across the Crick and King's College London.

What you will be doing

As a Postdoctoral Project Research Scientist at the Crick, 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 significant contribution to the production of research papers for publication, presenting findings to group members and other internal 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 role within the group in ensuring compliance with all local and national safety regulations. About you

You will bring

Expertise in organic synthesis Track record of writing papers as evidenced by publications or submitted manuscripts in referred journals Evidence of data presentation at scientific meetings Show an ability to work supportively in a laboratory environment, and to supervise and educate junior co-workers and take part in joint projects. Be willing to play a role in keeping the laboratory running by assuming a share of group responsibilities and have a pro-active approach to management of laboratory safety. PhD in Synthetic Organic Chemistry and/or Supramolecular Chemistry and/or Chemical Biology and/or related field. To see the complete Job Description click here for more info!

To see more about the team and Group Leader, click 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 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

To find out more about life at the Crick click here.

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 - The Crick offers funding for those requiring a visa 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. Perks: Discounted gym memberships, bike-to-work scheme, and shopping discounts. Subsidised on-site restaurant and social spaces for team interaction. Development & Recognition: Comprehensive training, mentoring, and a pay structure with performance-linked progression. Find out what benefits the Crick has to offer:

For more information on our great pay and benefits package please click here:

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion:

We welcome applications from all backgrounds. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities, regardless of ethnicity, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, pregnancy, age, disability, or civil partnership, marital or family status. We particularly welcome applications from people who are Minority Ethnic as they are currently underrepresented in the Crick at this level.

Diversity is essential to excellence in scientific endeavour. It increases breadth and perspective, leading to more innovation and creativity. We want the Crick to be a place where everyone feels valued and where diversity is celebrated and seen as part of the foundation for our Institute's success.

The Crick is committed to creating equality of opportunity and promoting diversity and inclusivity. We all share in the responsibility to actively promote dignity, respect, inclusivity and equal treatment and it is our aim to ensure that these principles are reflected and implemented in all strategies, policies and practices.

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