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.
Computer Officer - Departmental Support (Part Time)
Applications are invited for a Computer Officer for the Department of Chemistry primarily to provide Linux technical support. The successful applicant will join a highly motivated and supportive team who are responsible for all aspects of the Department's computing needs.
This role provides general computer support with primary responsibility for Linux systems in a scientific environment and resolving user issues which may be technically complex. Specialised IT system/application support will be a secondary focus to the role as the Computer Officer becomes familiar with Department systems and applications.
The successful candidates will be educated to graduate degree level (or equivalent) in a scientific, numerical or IT-related subject. They will have an in-depth knowledge of Linux ideally Ubuntu for the desktop and Debian for servers. Although not essential some experience supporting Windows and/or the Mac OS environment is desirable. It is more important that the candidate be self-motivated, enthusiastic, possess good communication skills and perform as part of a team.
As a part time worker, (approximately 20 hours per week) there is considerable flexibility about when the work takes place but it must be during the normal working day to facilitate contact with users.
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).
Post-Doctoral Research Associate: Supramolecular Chemistry
Applications are invited for a post-doctoral researcher to work with Dr Jonathan Nitschke on a project which will involve the use of dynamic covalent linkages to create complex polymeric and discrete structures, and to quantify the rules that describe different self-assembly reactions' outcomes using the tools of physical organic chemistry. The project will also deal with information transfer within self-assembled systems, in the context of chirality transfer, amplification phenomena, and directed hydrogen bonding.
Applicants must have a PhD in synthetic chemistry and expertise in the techniques for building and characterising supramolecular structures.
The post is available from June 1st 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 Dr Jonathan Nitschke, Department of Chemistry, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW (email: jrn34@cam.ac.uk).
Post-Doctoral Research Associate: Numerical Simulation of Crystal Formation
A post-doctoral researcher is required to join Professor Daan Frenkel's group to develop numerical simulation (Monte Carlo sampling) of crystal formation of proteins and patchy colloids. Applicants should have (or be about to obtain) a PhD in theoretical chemistry or physics. Experience with Monte Carlo techniques would be highly desirable.
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 Daan Frenkel, Department of Chemistry, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW (email: df246@cam.ac.uk).
PhD Studentship: Molecular Basis of Alzheimer's Disease
A PhD studentship is available from October 2012 in the group led by Professor David Klenerman exploiting single molecule fluorescence microscopy to map the aggregation pathway of amyloid beta, the protein associated with Alzheimer's disease, and identify the initial events that lead to damage of neurons.
Applicants should have (or expect to obtain) at least the equivalent of a UK II.1 honours degree (and preferably a Masters) in chemistry, biochemistry, chemical biology, biophysics, physics or other relevant discipline. Applications from students with either a strong physical or biological science background are encouraged, where the applicant is interested in learning the other discipline. The studentship will cover tuition fees and a maintenance grant for EU nationals who satisfy the eligibility requirements for Home/EU fees. Owing to funding restrictions, the studentship is not available to non-EU nationals.
Applications should include a CV, contact details for two professional referees, and should be sent to Professor David Klenerman, Department of Chemistry, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW (email: dk10012@cam.ac.uk).
PhD Studentship: Receptor Organisation and Triggering on Live Cells
A PhD studentship is available from October 2012 in the group led by Professor David Klenerman exploiting single molecule fluorescence imaging to determine the organisation of key signalling proteins in the cell membrane, responsible for initiating the adaptive or innate immune response and follow how they reorganise to initiate signalling.
Applicants should have (or expect to obtain) at least the equivalent of a UK II.1 honours degree (and preferably a Masters) in chemistry, biochemistry, chemical biology, biophysics, physics or other relevant discipline. Applications from students with either a strong physical or biological science background are encouraged, where the applicant is interested in learning the other discipline. The studentship will cover tuition fees and a maintenance grant for EU nationals who satisfy the eligibility requirements for Home/EU fees. Owing to funding restrictions, the studentship is not available to non-EU nationals.
Applications should include a CV, contact details for two professional referees, 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: Microcantilever Sensors
Applications are invited for a post-doctoral research associate to join the sensor research group led by Professor Stephen Elliott. The project is funded by STFC to develop micro-cantilever, label-free biochemical sensors for medical-diagnostic applications, and is a collaboration with the Rutherford-Appleton Laboratory, where polymer cantilever sensors to be used in the project are being developed.
Applicants should have a PhD in (bio)chemistry, physics or a related discipline. The researcher will fabricate selective receptor layers (eg antibodies) on the surface of the cantilever sensors, and conduct assays for the detection of disease biomarkers using optical-interferometric detection of the analyte-binding-induced, nanometric deflections of the cantilever sensors. The post requires a strong background in relevant experimental methods.
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 SR Elliott, Department of Chemistry, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW (email: sre1@cam.ac.uk).
Director of the Melville Laboratory for Polymer Synthesis
Applications are invited for the post of Director of the Melville Laboratory for Polymer Synthesis in the Department of Chemistry, to take up appointment on 1 October 2012 or as soon as possible thereafter.
The Melville Laboratory is an interdisciplinary unit, which, though based in the Department of Chemistry, enjoys strong links with many Departments and research groups throughout the University and worldwide. The Director is expected to provide leadership in the Laboratory's research programmes, and to foster links with other research centres. Candidates must have an international reputation in their field of specialisation, which can be in any branch of polymer synthesis. The successful candidate will be expected contribute to the undergraduate and postgraduate teaching programmes of the Department of Chemistry.
Applications should include a CV, publications list, a statement (up to 8 pages) of research interests and future plans, 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 electronically to Dr Howard Jones, Department of Chemistry, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW (email: hrnj1@cam.ac.uk). Informal enquiries about the post may be addressed to Professor Daan Frenkel (df246@cam.ac.uk). Information about the Melville Laboratory's activities may be found at http://www-melville.ch.cam.ac.uk and further information about the Department of Chemistry may be found at http://www.ch.cam.ac.uk.
Based at Lensfield Road, the Unilever Centre for Molecular Science Informatics contains 50 members of staff within four busy research groups. This role provides crucial assistance to the Group Administrator in providing the day-to-day administration and secretarial needs of the Centre, together with the day-to-day management of the Department's electronic security system.
Duties include a vast and varied number of responsibilities ranging from co-ordinating travel arrangements and assisting in organising meetings and conferences, to checking expense claims and the provision of personnel support for the group, such as registration and induction arrangements for new starters within the team.
Candidates should be educated to at least GCSE level standard or equivalent including English and Mathematics. The successful candidate will also possess good communication and administrative skills. Strong IT skills including knowledge of Windows-based Microsoft packages and e-mail are essential. Previous experience of the University CUFS system would be beneficial but full training will be given.
The role is a part time post consisting of fifteen hours per week, preferably three hours every day, but consideration would be given to alternative work patterns.
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: Chemistry in Microdroplets
Applications are invited for a post-doctoral research associate to work with Professor Chris Abell in the Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, within the multi-disciplinary research initiative on microfluidic microdroplets (see http://www-microdroplets.ch.cam.ac.uk).
We are looking for a highly motivated scientist with experience in nanofabrication and microfluidics to join a team exploiting microdroplets as a novel reaction environment. Applicants should have a PhD in a relevant subject. A strong publication track record in chemical or biological science is essential. Experience of molecular biology, cell biology, or working with lasers, would be highly 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).
Post-Doctoral Research Associate: Biosensing Approaches to the Study of Protein Aggregation
Applications are invited for a post-doctoral 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. A major focus of this initiative is to develop rational approaches to target natively unfolded proteins that undergo a loss of solubility in the context of protein aggregation disorders including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.
The project will explore the use of biosensing approaches for the study of unfolded proteins and to monitor their aggregation behaviour. Further information can be found in PNAS (2007), 104, 10016; Science (2007), 318, 1900.
Applicants should have (or be about to obtain) a PhD 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 April 2012, or as soon as possible thereafter. 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 Tuomas Knowles, Department of Chemistry, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW (email: tpjk2@cam.ac.uk).
Post-Doctoral Research Associate: Development of Aggregation Assays of Protein Aggregation
Applications are invited for a post-doctoral 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. A major focus of this initiative is to develop rational approaches to target natively unfolded proteins that undergo a loss of solubility in the context of protein aggregation disorders including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.
The project will be directed towards establishing quantitative aggregation assays in vitro and the dissection of aggregation pathways using chemical kinetics approaches developed for complex systems. Further information can be found in Science (2009), 326, 1533.
Applicants should have (or be about to obtain) a PhD in physics, 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 April 2012, or as soon as possible thereafter. 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 Tuomas Knowles, Department of Chemistry, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW (email: tpjk2@cam.ac.uk).
5 PhD studentships in atmospheric and climate science are available from October 2012 at the Cambridge Centre for Atmospheric Science in the following areas:
1. Characterisation and quantification of oxidising aerosol particle components relevant for health-related aerosol effects.
2. Analysis of organic aerosol composition from laboratory (smog chamber) studies using state-of-the-art ultra-high resolution mass spectrometry.
3. Climate-chemistry modeling: interactions between atmospheric composition and surface climate.
4. Measurement and data analysis of trace species (including halogenated organic compounds) in the tropical marine atmosphere.
5. Measurement and analysis of atmospheric composition including the development of novel measurement techniques.
Applicants should have (or expect to obtain) at least the equivalent of a UK II.1 honours degree (and preferably a Masters) in chemistry, chemical physics or a related area.
Projects 1-3 are funded by ERC grants, which provide a maintenance grant and tuition fees at the Home/EU rate. Non-EU nationals can be considered only if they already have the means to cover the fees differential for overseas students.
Projects 4 and 5 are funded by NERC, and will cover tuition fees and an annual maintenance grant for EU nationals who satisfy the eligibility requirements of the UK Research Councils. Owing to funding restrictions, these two studentships are not available to non-EU nationals.
Applications should include a CV, contact details for two professional referees, and should be sent to Sian Bunnage, Department of Chemistry, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW (email: slb61@cam.ac.uk).
PhD Studentship: Chemical Probes of Protein-Protein Interactions
A PhD studentship is available from October 2012 in the group led by Dr Alessio Ciulli to design and develop novel small molecule chemical probes that target protein interfaces that recognise post-translational modifications of protein amino acids. This multi-disciplinary project will combine small molecule drug design and organic synthesis with molecular/structural biology and biophysical studies of protein-protein interactions. For a recent example of our approach see Buckley et al. J. Am. Chem. Soc., Epub: Feb 27, 2012 DOI: 10.1021/ja209924v.
Applicants should have (or expect to obtain) at least the equivalent of a UK II.1 honours degree (and preferably a Masters) in chemistry, biochemistry, chemical biology, structural biology or other relevant discipline. Applications from students with either a strong chemical or biological science background are encouraged, where the applicant is interested in learning the other discipline. The studentship will cover tuition fees and a maintenance grant for EU nationals who satisfy the eligibility requirements of the UK Research Councils. Owing to funding restrictions, the studentship is not available to non-EU nationals.
Applications should include a CV, contact details for two professional referees, and should be sent to Dr Alessio Ciulli, Department of Chemistry, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW (email: ac313@cam.ac.uk).
Post-Graduate Research Assistant: Developing Potential Lead Compounds Against Tuberculosis
Applications are invited for a post-graduate research assistant to work with Professor Chris Abell developing potential lead compounds against tuberculosis. The post will involve synthetic and analytical chemistry.
Applicants should have a good honours degree in chemistry and experience in synthetic organic chemistry. Knowledge of the drug discovery process would be advantageous.
This post is available from 1 April 2012. 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 Dr Katherine Abell, Department of Chemistry, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom (e-mail: ka204@cam.ac.uk).
Post-Doctoral Research Associate: Fragment-based Drug Discovery
Applications are invited for a post-doctoral research associate to work with Professor Chris Abell in the Department of Chemistry in a collaborative project that will use 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 from March 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 Dr Katherine Abell, Department of Chemistry, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom (e-mail: ka204@cam.ac.uk).
Applicants who previously applied to the recent advert MA09058 need not re-apply.
Reporting to the Head of Accounts and Purchasing, this post fulfils a crucial role in assisting with the efficient running of all aspects of the Departments' accounts section. This is a particularly busy role because Chemistry is a large department with over 650 academics, support staff, contract researchers and postgraduates.
Duties include: line management responsibility; processing overtime claims, purchase and sales invoices; overseeing budgets and providing financial advice to staff to help ensure they manage their departmental accounts in line with university financial regulations.
The successful candidate will be required to work accurately and efficiently across a number of IT and web based packages, making strong IT skills an essential requirement. Having attained at least AAT level 4 or equivalent, a good working knowledge of Oracle Financials will also be required. In addition, they will have excellent interpersonal and organisational skills combined with the ability to use own initiative, deal with a wide range of people at all levels and meet deadlines under pressure whilst maintaining attention to detail.
Candidates should be educated to A level standard or equivalent, with GCSE in English and Mathematics. Previous experience of working in a Higher Education environment would be an advantage as would a management qualification.
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.
Marie Curie Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship: Dynamic Molecular Structures
Applications are invited for a Marie Curie post-doctoral fellowship to join the group of Dr Jonathan Nitschke. As part of an 11-partner Marie Curie Initial Training Network, the successful candidate will investigate the use of techniques developed in the Nitschke group to create functional metal-containing self-assembled materials. He/She will also assist in the administration of the network.
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 http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/chem.200800503 and http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/ja110575s) or metal-organic capsules (see http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.1175313 and http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/anie.201100193). Additionally, excellent communication, organisational and administrative skills will be required in order to liaise with partner research groups throughout Europe and to help organise network meetings and events.
Salary will be 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 the cover letter how your candidacy fulfils these two criteria.
The post is available from May 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: Potential therapeutic leads using Fragment-Based Approaches
Applications are invited from post-doctoral chemists to join a multidisciplinary project funded by the Wellcome Trust Seeding Drug Discovery Initiative to develop small molecules that disrupt a specific protein-protein interaction. The project is a collaboration between the Departments of Chemistry (Prof. Chris Abell), Biochemistry (Prof. Tom Blundell and Dr. Marko Hyvonen) and the Hutchison/MRC Research Centre (Prof. Ashok Venkitaraman and Dr. Grahame McKenzie) under the auspices of the Cambridge Molecular Therapeutics Programme (http://www.hutchison-mrc.cam.ac.uk/cmtp.html).
The successful candidate will work as part of the chemistry team contributing to the design and synthesis of target molecules and the interpretation of screening and structural data.
Applicants must have a PhD in Chemistry with a proven track record in synthetic organic chemistry. A track record of achievement exemplified by academic publications and/or industrial experience is essential. Experience of medicinal chemistry and relevant post-doctoral experience are highly desirable. Applicants will be expected to work closely and interactively with colleagues in different disciplines, to have excellent communication skills, and the ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines.
This post is available immediately. Applications should include a CV, publication list, contact details for three professional referees and a completed CHRIS/6 form, Parts I and III only (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 (email: ka204@cam.ac.uk).
Post-doctoral Research Associate: Computational Solid State Chemistry
Applications are invited for a post-doctoral research associate to join the research group led by Dr Graeme Day. The project is part of a collaboration with the research group of Professor Jeremy Sanders and will follow on from work described in Chemical Science, 2, 696-700 (2011). The researcher will develop computational approaches for rationalising and predicting reaction equilibria in solvent-free chemical reactions that take place in the solid state.
Applicants should have (or be about to obtain) a PhD in chemistry, physics or a related discipline. The project will involve molecular and crystal structure modelling using both interatomic potentials and electronic structure methods and the post requires a strong background in relevant computational methods.
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 Dr Graeme Day, Department of Chemistry, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW (email: gmd27@cam.ac.uk).
PhD Studentship: Organic-Mineral Composite Materials - from Biomimetics to New Materials
An EPSRC DTA PhD studentship is available from October 2012 in the group led by Dr Melinda Duer to study the molecular details of the organic-inorganic interface in composite biomimetic and biological materials primarily using solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). A fundamental aim of the study is to understand how the organic and inorganic structures influence each other and the material properties of the composite for the purposes of designing new materials for a variety of uses.
Applicants should have (or expect to obtain) at least the equivalent of a UK II.1 honours degree (and preferably a Masters) in chemistry, physics, biochemistry or related subject.
Applications should include a CV and contact details for two professional referees, and should be sent to Dr Melinda Duer, Department of Chemistry, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW (email: mjd13@cam.ac.uk).
