Job Description

Job Title:

Research Associate in Medicinal Chemistry

Posting Start Date:

31/10/2025

Job Id:

1792

School/Department:

Mathematical & Physical Sciences

Work Arrangement:

Full Time (On site)

Contract Type:

Fixed-term

Salary per annum ():

41,064.00

Closing Date:

28/11/2025
The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.



We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more.




We are seeking a highly motivated scientist in Medicinal Chemistry to join a multidisciplinary research team focused on the design, synthesis and evaluation of novel small molecules for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This project is a hit to lead program for the development of modulators to target non-coding triple-helix RNA (NEAT 1).



The successful candidate will play a key role in performing a structure-activity relationship study on the existing hit series and implement synthetic strategies, following principles of structure and ligand-based drug design. The overall aim is to implement medical and synthetic chemistry experience to generate compounds with desirable biological activity, selectivity profile and optimal physicochemical properties. The position offers opportunities to develop advanced skills in organic synthesis, medicinal chemistry, and molecular design, while gaining experience in supervising and mentoring postgraduate and undergraduate students.

Main duties and responsibilities

Synthesis, purification and characterisation of new biologically active compounds Design and optimise appropriate synthetic routes, reagents and conditions to enable efficient compound preparation Conduct hit-to-lead optimization and molecular modelling to identify promising lead series. Supervise and mentor students, providing guidance and support in their research activities. Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to successfully implement research projects. Prepare and present research findings at conferences and in peer-reviewed journals. Strictly adhere to safety protocols and maintain accurate laboratory and experimental records. Contribute to grant writing and funding proposals to support ongoing research initiatives. promote a safe, healthy and fair environment for people to work, where bullying and harassment will not be tolerated Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post

Person Specification

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

Criteria

Essential or desirable

Stage(s) assessed at

A PhD in organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry or closely related subject OR a considerable relevant experience in drug discovery settings.




Essential




Application




Experience in executing and optimising multi-step organic syntheses




Essential




Application / Interview




Experience in computational chemistry and molecular modelling techniques




Desirable




Application




Strong interpersonal and communication skills to collaborate effectively with team members




Essential




Application / Interview




Experience in supervising students and managing research projects.




Desirable




Application / Interview




Strong communication skills (written and oral) with the ability to present complex data clearly.




Essential




Application / Interview




Excellent collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively in a team.




Essential




Application / Interview










Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

Further Information

Grade

7.5

Salary

Work arrangement

Full-time

Duration

1st December 2025 - 30th Nov 2026

Line manager

Dr Fadi Soukarieh

Direct reports

Lecturer in Medicinal Chemistry

Our website

[Put a link to your department/school's website here. Delete if not applicable]




For informal enquiries about this job contact Fadi Soukarieh, Lecturer in Medicinal Chemistry on

f.soukarieh@sheffield.ac.uk

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in October/November. This will consist of presentation and interview. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage no later than 2 weeks after the closing date. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact mps-hr@sheffield.ac.uk

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision ().

What we offer

A minimum of 41days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more. Generous pension scheme. A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel. A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women's and Parent's networks). Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role. A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Academic Career Pathways A range of generous family-friendly policies

+ paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
+ support for those going through the menopause
+ paid time off and support for fertility treatment
+ and more





We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.



Possession of a criminal record is not an automatic bar to employment at the University of Sheffield. We recognise the value of steady employment in the rehabilitation process and examine each case in its own right. More information can be found on our Information for candidates page:- sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/candidates (opens in a new window).




We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.