Postdoctoral Research Associate

The research group  

We are a synthetic chemistry group established in 2021, working in supramolecular and biological chemistry, and nanotechnology. We work in the Francis Crick Institute in London, and are linked to the Department of Chemistry at King's College London. Our research looks at how we can apply Supramolecular Chemistry in Biological settings. The McTernan Group aims to apply recent breakthroughs in artificial molecular machines and metal-organic capsules in biologically relevant settings. We work with rotaxanes, catenanes and capsules to synthesise functional architectures, creating de novo catalytic enzyme analogues, artificial cellular receptors, and generating targeted drug delivery vehicles. Find out more about our work at our website.

Project summary

Our research looks at how we can apply Supramolecular Chemistry in Biological settings. Supramolecular Chemistry is the study of intermolecular, non-covalent interactions. These non-covalent interactions are critical to protein folding, DNA base pairing, and cellular signalling. Supramolecular Chemistry applies these same principles to create artificial systems capable of performing complex tasks. The McTernan Group aims to apply recent breakthroughs in artificial molecular machines and metal-organic capsules in biologically relevant settings. We work with rotaxanes, catenanes and capsules to synthesise functional architectures, creating de novo catalytic enzyme analogues, artificial cellular receptors, and generating targeted drug delivery vehicles. 

The successful candidate work on one of two projects, either exploring how supramolecular chemistry can be used to accelerate PROTAC design and discovery, or synthesising metal-organic capsules with precisely functionalised interiors, using sequence-specific peptides. The successful candidate will collaborate widely both within the group, and across the Crick and King’s. This role would suit a team player who enjoys juggling multiple projects, and building relationships across disciplines. They will also take a role in managing junior researchers and the running of the lab. 

Skills in synthetic chemistry are essential to the role, skills in any of: total synthesis, peptide synthesis, self-assembly, or cell work, would be useful. 

Research Associates are expected to lead their own projects, contribute to other projects on a collaborative basis (both in the lab and with external collaborators), propose new projects, and guide PhD students in their research. The ability to work in a team is essential. 

International applicants welcome. 

This post will be offered on a fixed-term contract until the 31st August 2026, with potential for extension 

This is a full-time post