Senior Research Associate in Translational Biophysical Chemistry and Imaging (Fixed Term)

University of Cambridge

Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry

Location: Cambridge

Salary: 42,254 to 56,535

Hours: Full Time

Contract Type: Fixed-Term/Contract

Placed On: 15th October 2026

Closes: 12th November 2026

Job Ref: MA51403

Fixed term: Funds are available for 12 months in the first instance.

Applications are invited for a Senior Research Associate to work with Professor Steven F. Lee in the Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge.

The post forms part of a translational research programme developing an imaging based drug discovery platform for neurodegenerative disease. Using quantitative single molecule imaging, the programme will characterise small protein assemblies and determine how candidate compounds alter their formation, structure and abundance. The initial focus is alpha synuclein aggregation in Parkinson's disease.

The programme will develop, miniaturise and validate a higher throughput assay, undertake compound screening and generate quantitative datasets linking compound treatment to changes in protein assembly. Working with Cambridge researchers and external academic and translational partners, the successful applicant will help develop the technology into a robust, externally deployable drug discovery platform.

The successful applicant will take substantial independent responsibility for:

Developing and validating quantitative single molecule imaging assays for protein aggregation.
Establishing reproducible workflows for higher throughput compound screening.
Performing screening experiments and developing quantitative approaches to classify and prioritise compound responses.
Building robust analysis pipelines for large imaging datasets and interpreting and presenting results.
Coordinating research across academic collaborators and external partners.
Working with commercial suppliers and technology partners to integrate compound libraries, instrumentation and assay formats.
Contributing to publications, funding applications and scientific leadership.

A central aim is to establish a commercially credible opportunity with a clear route to market. The successful applicant will refine the customer proposition, test the business model and undertake customer discovery with pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies and contract research organisations. They will also contribute to intellectual property strategy and commercial positioning, building an evidence base around assay performance, workflow, cost and differentiation.

Applicants should hold:

A PhD in chemistry, biophysics, biochemistry, neuroscience or a related discipline.
Substantial postdoctoral or equivalent research experience and expertise in quantitative biological or biophysical research.
Experience in single molecule microscopy, advanced fluorescence microscopy, protein aggregation, neurodegeneration, high throughput screening or quantitative image analysis would be particularly valuable.

Applicants must demonstrate scientific independence, experience of working across disciplinary boundaries and responsibility for complex research projects. Experience involving external organisations, technology translation, innovation, commercialisation, industry engagement or research strategy would be advantageous.

The successful applicant will contribute to the programme's strategic direction and represent the project in discussions with academic, commercial and translational partners. Excellent communication, organisational and project management skills are essential.

The post offers an opportunity to combine advanced physical chemistry, neurodegeneration research and drug discovery, contributing directly to the translation of single molecule technologies towards therapeutic discovery.

Application Process:

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click the 'Apply' button below.

Please ensure that you upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV), a covering letter and publications list in the upload section of the online application. If you upload any additional documents that have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.

Contact Information:

For informal enquiries, please contact Professor Steven Lee at sl591@cam.ac.uk .

Additional Information:

The School of Physical Sciences holds an Athena Swan Silver Award which recognises and supports progress in gender equality.

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.