Drug Discovery Scientists

Drug Discovery Scientists

Who we are

LifeArc is a medical research charity with a 25 year legacy of helping scientists and organisations turn their research into treatments and diagnostics for patients.

We are pioneering new ways to turn great science into greater patient impact and do so by bringing together a network of partners to tackle specific diseases and by directly funding academic and early stage research.

As a champion for human health, LifeArc partners with academic, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and charity organisations to move promising medical research forward into viable and accessible patient treatments.

As a charity we are self-funded, re-investing our incomes from developed drugs & diagnostics into support translating research from the bench to patient.

Our Centre for Therapeutics Discovery (CTD) in Stevenage operates at the interface between academic research and the drug discovery industry. We take novel academic targets and generate lead stage small molecules and therapeutic antibodies for indications with unmet medical need.

The Chemistry Department supports both small molecule and small molecule-biologic combination approaches, working closely with our Biology and Biotherapeutics Departments.

We are looking for two chemists to join our medicinal chemistry team.

The positions

Both positions are synthetic chemistry lab-based roles supporting early phase pre-clinical drug discovery projects. They will involve working in programmes within one or more of our therapeutic areas (Neuroscience, Oncology and Anti-microbials).

The successful candidates will be expected to prepare compounds for testing and to carry out any related analytical chemistry requirements. This will include the synthesis and characterisation of novel compounds with the appropriate data collection and electronic lab notebook write up of experiments. The candidate will be expected to support information exchange through written and oral presentations.

For one position, prior experience in the development of molecules associated with targeted protein degradation (PROTAC) and/or antibody-drug conjugates (ADC) would be an advantage

Who you are

With a BSc or equivalent in chemistry together with industrial experience (gained either post-graduation or as part of an industrial placement year) in a pharmaceutical or biotech organization, the successful candidate will have a proven record in synthetic organic chemistry, demonstrated through theoretical knowledge and practical ability. The capability to design and execute synthetic routes and the confidence to work independently and efficiently are key requirements for the role. In addition, an understanding of the basic principles of medicinal chemistry would be an advantage.

Your salary will be determined by qualifications and experience. In addition, LifeArc offers a defined contribution pension scheme, private health insurance, a flexible benefits scheme and 31 days paid holiday per year.

LifeArc is committed to the principles and practices of equal opportunities and to encouraging the establishment of a diverse workforce. It is our policy to employ individuals on the basis of their suitability for the work to be performed and their potential for development, regardless of age, sex, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, disability, marital status, pregnancy or maternity, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief.  This includes creating a culture that fully reflects our commitment to equal opportunities for all.

To apply please email your CV and covering letter explaining why you want to work for LifeArc to: recruitment@lifearc.org

Closing date: 31^st July 2019