The Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry in association with the Herchel Smith fund for Medicinal Chemistry is seeking to recruit a new faculty member, at professorial level, who can contribute to research and teaching in the area of chemical biology, broadly defined. The successful applicant will be expected to develop a dynamic, high quality and externally-funded research programme at an international level. Interdisciplinary and collaborative research is strongly encouraged across the university and its associated institutes; the development of links with medical research is also encouraged. The start date of the appointment will be 1st January 2027 or by agreement.

Appointment will be made at the level of Professor (Grade 11) for a candidate who can demonstrate a proven track record of exceptional achievement and appropriate experience. This appointment is aimed at mid-career scientists who are able to lead further development of chemical biology in the Department, including the recruitment of junior colleagues in this area.

The Department has significant strength in chemical biology, a position which has been enhanced by recent entry-level appointments, supported by refurbished laboratories. We are now seeking to make an appointment at a more senior level who will either bring a new area of chemical biology to the Department or who will have significant synergies with existing researchers.

Applicants should hold a PhD in a relevant area. The ideal candidate for this position will have a strong track record of research excellence. Candidates must demonstrate a firm commitment to teaching at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels within the Department and will be expected to contribute to and develop courses in chemical biology.

Appointment to this Professorship is to the retiring age (currently 69). The post holder will be eligible to apply for promotion to (full) Professor (Grade 12) via the University's Academic Career Pathway scheme.

To facilitate the research career of the appointee, teaching and administrative duties in the first two years will be light. A generous start-up package will be provided to assist the post-holder in their transition to the Department.

Information about the Department's research and teaching activities is available on the Department's website (http://www.ch.cam.ac.uk). Informal enquiries may be made to Prof. James Keeler (Head of Department, hod@ch.cam.ac.uk)

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Applications should include (1) a cover letter, (2) a CV, (3) a list of publications, (4) contact details for three professional referees, (5) a research statement (up to four pages) covering research achievements to date, and, (6) a research proposal (up to four pages) for the future, including how this research might be funded. If you upload any additional documents that have not been requested, we will not consider these as part of your application.

Please quote reference MA49841 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Apply online

Closing date

Aug 2nd 2026

Reference number

MA49841

Salary

£71,566

Further Information

Further particulars

Athena Swan Silver