Postdoctoral Research Associate

The Lovell lab is looking to recruit a PDRA on a 24-month contract.

Protein–protein interactions play central roles in cancer initiation, progression, and therapeutic resistance, yet they remain among the most challenging targets in drug discovery. Many oncogenic PPIs involve large, flat, and dynamic interfaces that are poorly addressed by conventional small molecules. Beyond Rule of 5 (bRo5) macrocyclic compounds, particularly highly constrained peptides, offer a powerful strategy to engage these challenging targets by combining the binding surface area of biologics with the tunability and cell permeability of small molecules.

Working with members of the Lovell lab, the successful candidate will contribute to the development of next-generation macrocyclic inhibitors designed to disrupt cancer-relevant protein–protein interactions. The project will focus on the design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of structurally constrained peptide macrocycles that access bRo5 chemical space while maintaining favourable pharmacological properties.

A key feature of this project is the use of continuous-flow chemistry to enable the efficient, reproducible, and scalable synthesis of complex macrocyclic peptides. Flow-based approaches will be employed to control reaction kinetics, improve cyclisation efficiency, and accelerate structure–activity relationship (SAR) exploration. These compounds will be integrated into direct-to-biology workflows for rapid functional screening against cancer targets.

• Continuous-flow synthesis of highly constrained macrocyclic peptides
• Advanced peptide cyclisation and stapling strategies
• Direct-to-biology screening approaches for PPI inhibition
• Biophysical and biochemical assays to validate target engagement
• Close collaboration with chemical biology and cancer biology researchers

This work aims to expand the druggable landscape of cancer by delivering innovative bRo5 macrocyclic modalities capable of modulating previously intractable protein–protein interactions.

As a member of Research Staff at the University of Bath, you will be encouraged to take up a minimum of 10 days professional development pro rata per year"

A lower grade offer may be made (Grade 6) with comparable reduction in responsibilities and amendment in job title to Research Assistant, if a suitable applicant cannot be found to fill the Grade 7 position. Applicants will need to be within six months of their course completion date and will be promoted to Research Associate once their PhD has been awarded. 

Essential qualifications and experience:

• PhD in Chemistry/Close to obtaining a PhD
• Strong organic synthetic chemistry experience, including peptides and/or small molecules
• Hands-on experience with continuous-flow chemistry, including reaction optimisation and operation of flow systems
• Proficiency in HPLC and LC-MS for compound analysis and method development
• Active interest in drug discovery and cancer research

• Ability to work independently and solve problems proactively
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Willingness to supervise junior lab members and contribute to laboratory management

This role is fixed term for 48 months with a proposed start date of 06/04/2026. For an informal discussion about the role please contact Scott Lovell at sdl35@bath.ac.uk. 

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