Job Description

Salary Range:

37,694 - 46,049

FTE:

1 (35 hours/week)

Contract Type:

Fixed Term until 31/03/2028

Closing Date:

05/09/2025



Infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria are an increasing global public health concern. This is particularly true of those infections that are multi-drug resistant.


We have discovered a new class of anti-infective agents, Strathclyde Minor Groove Binders (S-MGBs), that are resilient to resistance, and effective against a wide range of pathogens. S-MGBs bind to the minor groove of DNA at AT-rich sites and interfere with a range of critical biological processes. These compounds follow a multi-targeted approach, which is advantageous in the field of anti-infective drug discovery.



We are seeking a Research Associate to work with Dr Fraser Scott under a UKR- funded drug discovery project to develop novel pre-clinical candidates for the treatment of bacterial infections, specifically those caused by Gram-negative bacteria.


The project team will design, synthesise and evaluate novel compounds, with optimised structures that increase their potency towards key pathogens. The Research Associate will be principally responsible for compound design and synthesis, and therefore a PhD in medicinal and/or organic chemistry is essential. As is an understanding of the synthesis and medicinal chemistry of S-MGBs. However, there is also an essential need for skills in antimicrobial susceptibility testing. PhD students who are nearing the end of their PhD will still be considered, and if successful will be appointed at a research grade 6 (33,002 to 36,636) until proof of successful completion of PhD is confirmed by way of bringing PhD certificate to the Human Resources office.



As a Research Associate, you will write up research work for publication, individually or in collaboration with colleagues, and disseminate the results via peer reviewed journal publications and presentation at conferences. You will supervise student projects, provide advice to students, and contribute to the smooth running of the laboratory. You will have an ability to plan and organise your own workload effectively and an ability to work within a team environment. You will have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and be able to present complex information in an accessible way to a range of audiences.



Formal interviews for this post will be held in September 2025.



Informal enquiries about the post can be directed to Dr Fraser Scott, fraser.j.scott@strath.ac.uk.



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