Assistant Research Professor – Screening Technologies (Fixed‑Term)

About the role

The Alborada Drug Discovery Institute (ADDI) within the University of Cambridge seeks an experienced screening‑technology scientist to lead a team developing assays and conducting primary screens for small‑molecule drug discovery projects in neurodegeneration.

Key responsibilities

• Design, develop and optimise automated plate‑based biochemical and cell‑based screening assays.
• Manage high‑throughput primary and selectivity screens across target‑based and phenotypic programmes.
• Oversee compound management, data handling and statistical evaluation of large screening datasets.
• Translate academic projects into the DDI laboratory workflow and support hit‑to‑lead and lead‑optimisation stages.
• Recruit, supervise and mentor junior staff and ensure rigorous record‑keeping and reporting.

Required profile

• PhD in a relevant scientific discipline.
• Extensive experience in high‑throughput screening, assay automation and compound management.
• Proven track record of publishing, presenting or patenting screening‑related research.
• Strong organisational, project‑planning and leadership abilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Required skills

• High‑throughput screening
• Screening automation
• Plate‑based assay development (biochemical and cell‑based)
• Compound management
• Statistical analysis of large data sets

What we offer

• Fixed‑term appointment funded until April 2029.
• Access to state‑of‑the‑art screening facilities and a collaborative research environment.
• Opportunities to lead cutting‑edge drug discovery projects in neurodegeneration.