Research Associate - Chemical Biologist

Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 33,000 - GBP 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research university in Cambridge is seeking a Research Associate - Chemical Biologist to explore the biological mechanisms of G-quadruplexes and their potential in cancer therapy. The candidate should hold a PhD in a relevant field and possess strong skills in chemical biology, molecular biology, and biochemistry. This position is fixed-term for 2 years, commencing 1st March 2026, and requires excellent communication and teamwork capabilities. A competitive salary is offered, ranging from £33,002 to £46,049.

Qualifications

• Background in chemical biology, with strong interest in DNA-related mechanisms.
• Experience in biochemistry, molecular biology, and nucleic acid-protein interactions is desirable.
• Highly motivated individual with good communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Work on the chemical biology of nucleic acids.
• Elucidate the function of G-quadruplexes as therapeutic targets and biomarkers.
• Collaborate in a multi-disciplinary team environment.

Skills

Chemical biology

Biochemistry

Molecular biology

DNA-related mechanisms

Communication skills

Education

PhD in a relevant discipline

Job description

# Research Associate - Chemical Biologist x 2 (Fixed Term)Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 2 years in the first instance.Applications are invited for a postdoctoral chemical biologist to work with Professor Sir Shankar Balasubramanian on the chemical biology of nucleic acids, funded by Cancer Research UK. The successful applicant will work on an interdisciplinary project to elucidate the function and biological mechanisms of four-stranded DNA G-quadruplexes and to investigate their potential as therapeutic targets and biomarkers of cancer. See DOI: 10.1016/j.trechm.2019.07.002, DOI: 10.1038/s41557-025-01792-1, DOI: 110.1073/pnas.2320240121 and for further information.Applicants must have a background in chemical biology, with strong interest in DNA-related mechanisms. Experience in biochemistry, molecular biology and nucleic acid-protein interactions would be highly desirable. We seek a highly-motivated individual with good communication skills and a capacity for innovation and creativity, who is able to work well as part of a multi-disciplinary team.Candidates should have (or be about to receive) a PhD in a relevant discipline.The position is available from 1st March 2026.Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.Please ensure that you upload a 2-page Curriculum Vitae (CV), a covering letter that explains your motivations for the position 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.For queries regarding this post, please contact Jo Lockhart, Science Administrator to the Balasubramanian group, email: BalasubramanianRecruitment @ch.cam.ac.uk.Please quote reference MA48583 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.The Department holds an Athena SWAN silver award for women in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine.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.### Department/location### Salary£33,002-£46,049### ReferenceMA48583### Category### Date published21 January 2026### Closing date26 February 2026