Research Fellow Chemoinformatics (Future Medicines Institute)
The Future Medicines Institute (FMI) is a new industry-led research hub for Life and Health Sciences in Northern Ireland, hosted by Queen’s University Belfast (QUB). Life and Health Sciences have been identified as one of the priority commercial sectors by the NI Executive, as well as the broader UK and Irish governments. A consortium of companies, along with both QUB and Ulster University, have developed a model to create this new translational research unit. The FMI will drive collaboration, cluster development and engagement, enhancing research and development opportunities for commercial and academic partners. This multi-million pound investment in new research infrastructure and research personnel is the first of its kind in NI. The FMI will house over 50 QUB and partner staff and be located adjacent to the Patrick J Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, the Wellcome Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine and the School of Pharmacy at QUB.
The FMI will be funded by the Department of Economy, Northern Ireland, for an initial 5 years, and managed as a UKRI Strengths in Places Fund project as part of the existing UKRI Strength in Places Fund programme. The ambition is to grow and develop the FMI to achieve long-term sustainability. It will work collaboratively with other regional investments such as our new clinical research facility iREACH, data science hub Momentum 1.0, the Centre for Digital Healthcare Technologies (CDHT) and the Artificial Intelligence Collaboration Centre (AICC). Collectively, these investments will transform the capabilities and competitiveness of the NI Life and Health Sciences sector here in NI, mapping and collaborating with other clusters in UK and Ireland.
The post holder will develop computational drug discovery techniques for FMI. Working across project teams, the role will involve the use of cutting-edge computational methods (structure/ligand-based design, AI/ML, virtual screening, chemo/bioinformatics, data-mining etc.) to effectively advance programs with creative solutions and insights. The post will require a dynamic self-starter with an eagerness to learn who will be an integral member of the FMI team. They must exhibit excellent people skills, accountability and the ambition to thrive within a highly interactive, fast-paced team.
About the person:
The successful candidate must have, and your application should clearly demonstrate that you meet, the following criteria:
* Degree in chemistry, biochemistry, computer science or mathematics.
* Have or be about to obtain a relevant PhD (must be obtained within 3 months of the date of interview).
* Significant, relevant research experience.
* Experience in Chemoinformatics in a University, academic institute, or industrial setting.
* An expert level user of HPC infrastructure / Linux systems and able to implement key R and/or Python packages.
* An expert level user of CADD software e.g., MOE or Schrödinger.
* Track record of publications commensurate with stage of career. Experience in lab project supervision.
To be successful at shortlisting stage, please ensure you clearly evidence in your application how you meet the essential and, where applicable, desirable criteria listed in the Candidate Information.
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