Previously-available jobs in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Cambridge
Please note that the jobs listed on this page are no longer available, and are displayed here only reference purposes.
If you wish to see currently-available job adverts, please see here.
Post-Doctoral Research Associate: SICM Imaging of Receptors
A post-doctoral research associate position is available from 1 October 2012 in the group led by Professor David Klenerman, at the Chemistry Department at Cambridge University. The project aims to use scanning ion conductance microscopy integrated with single molecule fluorescence to map and characterise receptors on the surface of live cells.
Applicants should have (or be about to obtain) a relevant PhD. Previous experience in scanning probe microscopy, programming of digital controllers and single molecule fluorescence is highly desirable.
Applications should include a CV, publications list, contact details for three professional referees, and a completed form CHRIS/6 Parts I and III (downloadable from http://www.admin.cam.ac.uk/offices/hr/forms/chris6/), and should be sent to Professor David Klenerman, Department of Chemistry, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW (email: dk10012@cam.ac.uk).
Post-Doctoral Research Associate: Drug Discovery and Chemical Biology
Applications are invited for a post-doctoral research associate to work with Professor Chris Abell and Professor Tom Blundell (Department of Biochemistry) using fragment-based approaches to discover molecules that inhibit enzymes from Mycobacterium tuberculosis (see Angew. Chemie Intl. Ed. 2009, 48, 8452-8456 for an example of our work). The project will involve the synthesis of enzyme inhibitors using fragment-based approaches, and is part of a larger drug discovery initiative.
Applicants should have (or be about to obtain) a PhD in organic chemistry. Proven expertise in synthetic organic chemistry is essential; some knowledge of enzymology and drug discovery would be advantageous.
The position is available immediately. Applications should include a CV, publications list, contact details for three professional referees, and a completed form CHRIS/6 Parts I and III (downloadable from http://www.admin.cam.ac.uk/offices/hr/forms/chris6/), and should be sent to Dr Katherine Abell, Department of Chemistry, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom (e-mail: ka204@cam.ac.uk).
Previous applicants for the recent position MA16522 need not apply.
Royal Society, Research Council and Wellcome Trust Research Fellowships
The Department of Chemistry is looking to support individuals of outstanding merit and potential who might wish to apply for one of the following post-doctoral research fellowships:
EPSRC Early Career Fellowship
Wellcome Trust/Royal Society Sir Henry Dale Fellowship
MRC Career Development Award
MRC Senior Non-clinical Fellowship
The Department invites expressions of interest from candidates who would like to apply to hold one of these fellowships in the Department of Chemistry at Cambridge.
Post-Doctoral Research Associate: Multi-scale Modelling to Predict Protein Phase Behaviour
Applications are invited for a post-doctoral research associate to work on a project that is part of a collaboration with the groups of Prof D. Frenkel (University of Cambridge), Prof S. Fraden (Brandeis University) and A. M. Lenhoff (University of Delaware). The research focuses on the development of coarse-graining techniques to predict the crystallisation kinetics of proteins.
Candidates should have a relevant PhD, are expected to have demonstrated excellent skills in the area of Monte Carlo/Molecular Dynamics simulations and should be familiar with statistical mechanical techniques to compute phase diagrams.
Applications should include a CV, publications list, contact details for three professional referees, and a completed form CHRIS/6 Parts I and III (downloadable from http://www.admin.cam.ac.uk/offices/hr/forms/chris6/), and should be sent to Mrs Sue Harding, Department of Chemistry, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW (email: sh10009@cam.ac.uk).
Marie Curie Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship: Dynamic Self-Assembled Materials
Applications are invited for a Marie Curie Experienced Researcher post-doctoral fellowship to join the group of Dr Jonathan Nitschke as part of the 11-partner Marie Curie Initial Training Network DYNAMOL (http://www.dynamol.ch.cam.ac.uk/). The successful candidate will investigate the use of techniques developed in the Nitschke group and by other Network partners to create and characterise functional metal-containing self-assembled materials.
The successful candidate will have a PhD in chemistry and a record of strong research productivity, as reflected in a substantial publication record in journals of high impact. He/She will have expertise that will allow a significant contribution to our work in the area of either metal-containing polymeric materials (see J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2011, 133, 3158-3164) or metal-organic capsules (see Science 2009, 324, 1697-1699 and Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2012, 51, 1881-1884). A background involving fruitful collaboration is desirable.
Salary will be highly competitive, in accordance with the EC Marie Curie Fellowship scale. Under EC rules for training networks, candidates (who may be of any nationality) should have no more than five years of postgraduate research experience (inclusive of any PhD training). Candidates must also not have resided in the UK for more than 12 months in the 3 years prior to appointment. Please state clearly in a cover letter how your candidacy fulfils these two criteria.
The post is available on or after 1 August 2012. Applications should include a cover letter, CV with publications list, contact details for three professional referees, and a completed form CHRIS/6 Parts I and III (downloadable from http://www.admin.cam.ac.uk/offices/hr/forms/chris6/), and should be sent to Dr Jonathan Nitschke, Department of Chemistry, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW (email: jrn34@cam.ac.uk).
Post-Doctoral Research Associate: Atmospheric Composition (Part Time)
Applications are invited for a part-time post-doctoral researcher to conduct a systematic ozone data intercomparison exercise as part of ESA's Ozone Climate Change Initiative (CCI). The successful applicant will work in close collaboration with other members of the Ozone CCI team and will compare newly developed and existing ozone data records with each other. The aim is to develop metrics assessing similarities and differences between the data records better and to communicate the results via a web page to all team members.
Applicants should have a relevant PhD, a good level of computer literacy (including one higher programming language, familiarity with graphical software and confidence in data handling) and knowledge of setting up a simple web page to communicate results efficiently to colleagues.
This is a part-time position with flexible working hours in the region of 18.5 hours per week for 14 months. The post is funded through ESA's Ozone Climate Change Initiative (http://www.esa-ozone-cci.org/) and the role holder will be based at the Centre for Atmospheric Science, Department of Chemistry (http://www.atm.ch.cam.ac.uk/).
Applications should include a CV, publications list, contact details for three professional referees, and a completed form CHRIS/6 Parts I and III (downloadable from http://www.admin.cam.ac.uk/offices/hr/forms/chris6/), and should be sent to Dr Peter Braesicke, Department of Chemistry, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW (email: pb261@cam.ac.uk).
Professorship of Polymeric Materials Chemistry and Physics
The Board of Electors to the Professorship of Polymeric Materials Chemistry and Physics invite applications for this Professorship from persons whose research concerns the characterization of new materials in the area of polymeric materials relevant to energy and sustainability, to take up appointment as soon as possible.
Further information is available at: www.admin.cam.ac.uk/offices/academic/secretary/professorships/ or contact the Academic Secretary, University Offices, The Old Schools, Cambridge, CB2 1TT, (email: ibise@admin.cam.ac.uk), to whom a letter of application should be sent, together with details of current and future research plans, a curriculum vitae, a publications list and form CHRIS/6 (parts 1 and 3 only with details of three referees), so as to reach him no later than 27 August 2012.
Informal enquiries may be made to Professor Daan Frenkel, Head of the Department of Chemistry (email: chemhod@hermes.cam.ac.uk).
Post-Doctoral Research Associate: Structure-based prediction of NMR chemical shifts in proteins
A post-doctoral research position is available to work with Prof. Michele Vendruscolo on a project aimed at the development of computational methods for the predictions of chemical shifts from the structures of proteins.
Applicants should have (or be about to receive) a PhD in physics, computational chemistry or related disciplines.
The post will be available from October 2012. Applications should include a CV, publications list, contact details for three professional referees and a completed form CHRIS/6 Parts I and III (downloadable from http://www.admin.cam.ac.uk/offices/hr/forms/chris6/), and should be sent to Prof. Michele Vendruscolo, Department of Chemistry (email: mv245@cam.ac.uk).
Research Associate: Analysis of Organic Aerosols Using Ultra-High Resolution Mass Spectrometry
Applications are invited for a post-doctoral research associate to analyse organic aerosols from laboratory and field samples using ultra-high resolution mass spectrometry.
The composition of organic aerosols is poorly understood, mainly because of the highly complex compounds mixtures present in atmospheric aerosols. Ultra-high resolution mass spectrometry techniques open the possibility to characterize these complex mixtures on a molecular level, giving unprecedented insights into particle sources and atmospheric formation and aging processes. In this project aerosol samples form atmospheric simulation chambers and ambient samples from a variety of locations will be analysed to compare and identify secondary organic aerosol formation processes in laboratory experiments and the ambient atmosphere. A variety of ionisation techniques are available for the mass spectrometry analyses coupling online the new smog chamber at the University of Cambridge with an ultra-high resolution mass spectrometer. A main emphasis in this project will be the development and application of statistical analyses to compare laboratory and field data.
Applicants should have (or be about to receive) a PhD in a relevant field and be highly motivated with a strong interest and experience in mass spectrometry, atmospheric simulation chamber experiments and/or statistical methods.
Applications should include a CV and publications list, contact details for three professional referees, and a completed form CHRIS/6 Parts I and III (downloadable from http://www.admin.cam.ac.uk/offices/hr/forms/chris6/) and should be sent in electronic form to Dr Markus Kalberer (mk594@cam.ac.uk).
Working as part of a busy Reception team, this role provides a number of services to approximately 800 people within the department, inclusive of academic, assistant, contract research staff, postgraduate and undergraduate students, and visitors.
Duties include: providing assistance and information as the first port of call for any visitors and enquirers; the provision of secretarial support to a number of academic staff; monitoring security and dealing with various alarm systems situated in the Reception Office; and preparing and providing the initial registration documents for the admissions office and Graduate Students Advisor.
Candidates should be educated to at least GCSE level standard or equivalent including English and Mathematics. The successful candidate will have a friendly confident manner and possess good communication, organisational and administrative skills. The ability to multitask and prioritise is essential as is the ability to remain calm under pressure. Basic knowledge of IT packages such as Microsoft Office and email would be desirable.
This is a part-time role, 20 hours per week, ideally working Monday-Friday across the lunch time period (10am-2pm).
Please complete Parts I and III only of the application form and return together with a letter of application to Emma Graham by email: ejg49@cam.ac.uk or post: Department of Chemistry, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW.
Post-Doctoral Research Associate: Molecular Basis of Alzheimer's Disease
A post-doctoral research position is available in the group led by Professor David Klenerman exploiting single molecule fluorescence microscopy to characterise oligomers of amyloid beta and determining the initial events that lead to damage of neurons (see Cell, 149, 1048-1059 (2012) for more details of our approach). This position is funded by an MRC/Wellcome Trust initiative in neurodegenerative disease, and is part of a large consortium tackling the cause of Alzheimer's disease based at Cambridge, Bristol, Hamburg and Toronto Universities.
Applicants should have a recent PhD in biophysics, chemistry or a related area, and have experience in performing and analysing singe molecule fluorescence experiments. Full technical support is provided on the molecular and cell biology for this project so this is an opportunity for physically trained scientists to work on a biomedically relevant problem in a multi-disciplinary environment.
The post is available immediately. Applications should include a CV, publications list, contact details for three professional referees, and a completed form CHRIS/6 Parts I and III (downloadable from http://www.admin.cam.ac.uk/offices/hr/forms/chris6/), and should be sent to Professor David Klenerman, Department of Chemistry, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW (email: dk10012@cam.ac.uk).
Applicants who recently applied for position MA16501 need not re-apply.
Research Assistant: Molecular Mechanism of Protein Oligomer Formation
Applications are invited for a post-graduate researcher to work with Dr Tuomas Knowles, Prof Michele Vendruscolo and Prof Christopher Dobson in the context of the new Cambridge Elan Centre in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Cambridge. The Centre is engaged in research into protein aggregation and its links to human diseases, in particular concerning the formation of conformational states competent for protein aggregation, the formation of protein oligomers, the formation of the mature fibrils and the molecular determinants of protein oligomer toxicity. One essential part of our research is the development of potential strategies to inhibit the deleterious biological effects of protein aggregation and its resulting toxicity.
The successful applicant will assist in the study of protein oligomer formation with an aim of characterising the process kinetically at the molecular level. The oligomers will be used to investigate their ability to cause cellular dysfunction using both neuronal cell lines and primary neurons, with the objective of characterising the molecular determinants of protein oligomer toxicity. The effect of molecular chaperones and small molecules on the process of oligomer formation and on the toxicity of the resulting aggregates species will be investigated.
Applicants should have a good honours degree (or equivalent) in chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology or related discipline. Prior experience in protein aggregation is not required, but the candidate should have an interest in applying physical methods to complex biomolecular systems and enjoy working in a multi-disciplinary environment.
The post will be available from September 2012, or as soon as possible thereafter. Applications should include a cover letter, CV with list of publications, contact details for three professional referees, and a completed form CHRIS/6 Parts I and III (downloadable from http://www.admin.cam.ac.uk/offices/hr/forms/chris6/) and should be sent to Ms Karen Valelli, Department of Chemistry (email: kjv26@cam.ac.uk).
Post-Doctoral Research Associate: Computational Biophysics/Substrate Transport in Enzymes
A post-doctoral research position is available from 1 September 2012 in the research group of Dr. Robert Best at the University of Cambridge. The project will focus on the development of a ligand diffusion-reaction model in enzymes by combining methods from computational chemistry and biophysics. The method will be applied to [FeFe]-hydrogenase, a promising biocatalyst for future production of biohydrogen. The theoretical simulations will support and guide ongoing bioengineering efforts aimed at making the enzyme more robust against inhibition and oxidative damage. These are some of the main obstacles that hamper the use of hydrogenases on an industrial scale. The project will be carried out in collaboration with experimentalists in France and with Dr. Jochen Blumberger at University College London. Access to high performance computing facilities will be provided.
The ideal candidate should have or be about to obtain a PhD in theoretical/physical chemistry or physics. Experience in classical simulation methodology, master equation models, biased sampling methods and shell scripting (preferably python/Matlab) is required.
Applications should include a CV, publications list, contact details for three professional referees, and a completed form CHRIS/6 Parts I and III (downloadable from http://www.admin.cam.ac.uk/offices/hr/forms/chris6/), and should be sent to Dr Robert Best, Department of Chemistry, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW (email: rbb24@cam.ac.uk).
Post-Doctoral Research Associate: Conversion of Carbon Dioxide to Formic Acid by Enzymes
Applications are invited for a BBSRC-funded Post-Doctoral Research Associate (PDRA) to work on the reduction of carbon dioxide to formic acid by formate dehydrogenase (FDH) enzymes. The position will be held in the group of Dr. Erwin Reisner in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Cambridge. The position is part of a cross-disciplinary collaboration with Dr. Judy Hirst at the Medical Research Council Mitochondrial Biology Unit in Cambridge. A second, Hirst-group PDRA position is also being advertised, and qualified candidates are strongly recommended to apply for both positions (for information regarding this second position, please visit www.topcareer.jobs using reference: IRC59428).
The aims of the project are to prepare and characterize FDHs from different organisms, to determine the mechanism of CO2/formate interconversion and to prepare demonstration devices for biotechnological CO2 to formic acid conversion. More information about the Reisner group, including relevant publications, can be found at http://www-reisner.ch.cam.ac.uk.
The three-year PDRA position is available from September 2012. Applicants must hold (or be about to hold) a PhD in a relevant area, and have a strong record of research productivity. Relevant experience in at least one of the following will be advantageous: mechanistic studies of enzymes, electrochemistry, photochemistry or chemical biology.
Applications should include a cover letter, CV with list of publications, contact details for three professional referees, and a completed form CHRIS/6 Parts I and III (downloadable from http://www.admin.cam.ac.uk/offices/hr/forms/chris6/). Applications should be sent by email (preferentially in pdf format) to reisner@ch.cam.ac.uk, quoting the job reference number MA18201 in the subject line.
Post-Doctoral Research Associate: Catalysis on Nanoalloys
Applications are invited for a post-doctoral researcher to work with Professor David Wales in the Chemistry Department in Cambridge. This project involves theory and calculations to characterise the mechanisms for dissociative chemisorption of small molecules on nanoalloy clusters. It involves a collaboration between Cambridge, Oxford, Birmingham, King's College London, and the Thomas Young Centre for Materials Theory and Simulation, funded by the EPSRC.
Applicants should have (or be about to receive) a PhD in theoretical chemistry or physics. Familiarity with geometry optimisation coupled to an explicit treatment of electronic structure is highly desirable.
The post is available from 1st August 2012. Applications should include a CV, publications list, contact details for three professional referees, and a completed form CHRIS/6 Parts I and III (downloadable from http://www.admin.cam.ac.uk/offices/hr/forms/chris6) and should be sent to Professor David Wales, Department of Chemistry, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW (email: sh10009@cam.ac.uk).
Post-Graduate Research Assistant: Pathogenesis of Motor Neuron Disease
Applications are invited for a post-graduate research assistant to work on a project investigating the relationship between the structural biology of the androgen receptor and the pathogenesis of spino-bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA), a form of motor neuron disease. The role will involve investigating the molecular origins of SBMA through the generation and analysis of new transgenic Drosophila models of this disease.
The successful candidate will have a good Bachelors degree or Masters degree in biochemistry, molecular biology or neuroscience. Experience of working with Drosophila would be highly advantageous.
The post is available immediately. Applications should include a CV, contact details for three professional referees, and a completed form CHRIS/6 Parts I and III (downloadable from http://www.admin.cam.ac.uk/offices/hr/forms/chris6) and should be sent by email to Dr Leila Luheshi (lml25@cam.ac.uk).
PA to the Herchel Smith Professor of Medicinal Chemistry
We are looking for a well-organised Personal Assistant to the Herchel Smith Professor of Medicinal Chemistry to provide a comprehensive secretarial and administrative service across the full range of the Professor's activities including undertaking a range of administrative duties associated with the running of the research group.
Duties will include: word processing; financial management; dealing with expenditure; undertaking other financial activities including analysing financial reports; diary management; coordination of schedules; arranging complex travel and accommodation; organising visits, seminars and lectures; arranging meetings, both internally, externally and with international participants; organising recruitment; minute taking as well as liaising with members of the Sector, Department, University and external organisations.
For full details of the role holders' duties, please contact Emma Graham (details below).
Ideally educated to A level standard or equivalent, the successful candidate will possess RSA III Level word processing ability and be an experienced audio typist with excellent IT skills including familiarity with Microsoft Office, FileMakerPro, Equation Editor and website maintenance.
They will have excellent communication skills with the ability to deal with a wide range of people at all levels, significant experience of working in a busy office, working effectively under pressure and of prioritising work in order to meet on occasions challenging deadlines. They will be able to work independently, acting effectively on their own initiative and all with the utmost discretion and confidentiality.
Previous experience of working for senior academics in a higher education environment would be an advantage. The role is ideally full-time but part-time would be considered for the right candidate, days and hours to be negotiated on appointment.
Please complete Parts I and III only of the application form and return together with a letter of application to Emma Graham by email: ejg49@cam.ac.uk or post: Department of Chemistry, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW.
Post-Doctoral Research Associate: Enantioselective Catalysis
Applications are invited for a post-doctoral research associate to work with Dr Matthew Gaunt on the development of new enantioselective catalytic reactions.
Applicants should have a relevant PhD, an outstanding publication record, expertise in catalytic enantioselective synthesis using both transistion metal and non-metal catalysts and an interest in teaching, project management and supervision.
Applications should include a CV, publications list, contact details for three professional referees, and a completed form CHRIS/6 Parts I and III (downloadable from http://www.admin.cam.ac.uk/offices/hr/forms/chris6/), and should be sent to Dr Matthew Gaunt, Department of Chemistry, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW (e-mail: mjg32@cam.ac.uk
Computer Officer - Scott Polar Research Institute and Department of Chemistry
Applications are invited for a Computer Officer for the Department of Chemistry. The post covers two areas of responsibility: the Scott Polar Research Institute (SPRI) and Centre for Atmospheric Science (CAS). SPRI is in the process of transferring its IT support needs to the Chemistry team and the post-holder will be responsible for organising this transition and providing day to day IT support to the Institute. CAS also requires IT infrastructure development and support. Both these institutions are located adjacent to the Chemistry Department on the Lensfield Rd site and the role-holder will work within the existing Chemistry IT team.
SPRI has about 60 members who use a diverse range of IT systems mainly based on Microsoft Windows but there are some Mac and Linux systems deployed too. The user base is diverse and includes administrative and museum staff as well as scientists actively engaged in research. The migration responsibilities include moving desktop equipment into the Chemistry Active Directory as well as the migration of data to new resilient infrastructure.
CAS has around 25 members who are exclusively research scientists. They make extensive use of Unix/Linux but also prepare documents using Microsoft software. These technologies need to be configured to interoperate seamlessly. One of the key challenges at CAS is to migrate services from a legacy Solaris environment to a new system integrated with the rest of Chemistry's infrastructure.
The successful candidate will be educated to degree level (or equivalent) in a scientific, numerical or IT-related subject. They will have a good knowledge of Microsoft Windows as well as Linux, ideally Ubuntu for desktops and Debian for servers. Some experience supporting a MacOS environment is desirable but not essential. Key skills for the candidate include: self-motivation, enthusiasm, very good communication skills, the ability to win the confidence of users, and team working.
The post is available immediately. Applications should include a CV, contact details for three professional referees, and a completed form CHRIS/6 Parts I and III (downloadable from http://www.admin.cam.ac.uk/offices/hr/forms/chris6/ and should be sent to Emma Graham, Department of Chemistry, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW (email: ejg49@cam.ac.uk). Applicants should also arrange for their referees to send references to arrive not later than the closing date.
Informal enquiries may be directed to Dr Timothy Dickens (tkd25@cam.ac.uk).
Applications are invited for the Herchel Smith Professorship of Organic Chemistry, which has become vacant following the retirement of Professor Sir Alan Fersht, FRS. Applications are sought from individuals whose expertise falls within any area of organic chemistry, and who have an internationally leading track record of research.
Further information is available at: www.admin.cam.ac.uk/offices/academic/secretary/professorships/ or contact the Academic Secretary, University Offices, The Old Schools, Cambridge, CB2 1TT, (email: ibise@admin.cam.ac.uk), to whom a letter of application should be sent, together with a CV, publications list, a statement (up to 6 pages) of research interests and future plans, accompanied by form CHRIS/6 (parts 1 and 3 only, with details of three referees) so as to reach him not later than 9 July 2012.
Informal enquiries may be made to Professor Daan Frenkel, Head of the Department of Chemistry (email: chemhod@hermes.cam.ac.uk).
