Career Opportunities at Queen's

The Research Assistant in computational chemistry and biology will work on multidisciplinary high impact research projects, which involve close collaboration with experimentalists from academia and industry. Research activities will include:

• Developing machine learning models for the design/discovery of new enzyme biocatalysts, modelling and simulations and reaction profile calculations, calculating binding free energies and reaction profiles, in consultation with the supervisor.
• Making periodic presentations and contributing actively to the overall discussion on the directions of the projects, as his/her input will be critical to the projects’ success.
• Writing up results of own work and contribute to the production of research reports, publications and proposals.

About the person

The successful Research Assistant will need to demonstrate the following:

• An Honours degree or equivalent in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, Pharmaceutical Engineering or a closely related area.
• Recent relevant experience in MD simulations and QM calculations of proteins, and applications of machine learning in one or more of the following areas:
  • Enzymatic reactivities
  • Enzyme function prediction
• Evidence of HPC experience/application.
• Demonstrable evidence of programming skills (C++/R/Python).
• Sufficient breadth or depth of specialist knowledge in the discipline and of research methods and techniques to work within own area.

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.

Fixed term contract posts are available for the stated period in the first instance but in particular circumstances may be renewed or made permanent subject to availability of funding.

What we offer

Beyond a competitive salary, the University offers an attractive benefits package including a holiday entitlement of up to 8.4 weeks a year, pension schemes and development opportunities. We support staff wellbeing with flexible working options, work-life balance initiatives and support for physical and mental health. You can find more detail on all of this and more at Pay, Reward and Benefits | People and Culture | Queen's University Belfast

Queen's University is committed to promoting equality of opportunity to all. We subscribe to Equality Charter Marks such as the Diversity Charter Mark NI and Athena Swan and have established staff networks such as iRise (Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic and International Staff Network) and PRISM (LGBTQ+) which help us progress equality.

For further information on our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, please visit Diversity and Inclusion | People and Culture | Queen's University Belfast

Candidate Information

Further information for international applicants