Research Associate

About the role

The Lovell lab is looking to recruit a PDRA on a 12-month contract. 

Project Background: Targeted radionuclide therapy (TRT) is an emerging and highly promising strategy for treating a range of cancers. By using targeting vectors conjugated to radionuclides, TRT delivers cytotoxic radiation directly to tumour cells while minimising damage to surrounding healthy tissues.

This project aims to identify selective peptide binders for proteins, cells, or tissues using state-of-the-art peptide display technologies. These binders will serve as initial targeting vectors in hit-to-lead optimisation programmes to develop novel radiomedicines. The work will integrate:

Phage or mRNA display

Automated solid-phase peptide synthesis

Direct-to-biology workflows

Chemical proteomics

Structural biology

Relevant References

Nat. Biotechnol. 2021, 4, 490

J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2021, 143, 8911

J. Nucl. Med. 2025, 66, 1703

About you

• PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Biology, or a closely related discipline
• Demonstrated expertise with display technologies (e.g., phage display, mRNA display, DELs)
• Hands-on experience with solid-phase peptide synthesis
• Proficiency in HPLC, LC-MS, or LC-MS/MS method development
• Active interest in peptide drug discovery and cancer research

Additional expectations:

• Strong organisational, communication, and teamwork skills
• Ability to work independently and solve problems proactively
• Willingness to supervise and train junior lab members
• Some laboratory management responsibilities will be included

Further information

A lower grade offer may be made (Grade 6) with comparable reduction in responsibilities and amendment in job title to Research Assistant, if a suitable applicant cannot be found to fill the Grade 7 position. Applicants will need to be within six months of their course completion date and will be promoted to Research Associate once their PhD has been awarded.

For questions about the position, please contact Dr Scott Lovell at sdl35@bath.ac.uk.

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