King's College London

About us

The Research Group

We are a synthetic chemistry group working in supramolecular and biological chemistry, and nanotechnology. We work in the Francis Crick Institute in London, and at King's College London.

Our research looks at how we can apply Supramolecular Chemistry in Biological settings. Supramolecular Chemistry is the study of intermolecular, non-covalent interactions. These non-covalent interactions are critical to protein folding, DNA base pairing, and cellular signalling. Supramolecular Chemistry applies these same principles to create artificial systems capable of performing complex tasks.

The McTernan Group aims to apply recent breakthroughs in artificial molecular machines, high-affinity host-guest chemistry, and metal-organic capsules, in biologically relevant settings. We work with rotaxanes, catenanes, macrocycles and capsules to synthesise functional architectures, creating de novo catalytic enzyme analogues, artificial cellular receptors, and targeted drug delivery vehicles. We also work to create supramolecular analogues of known therapeutic modalities. We work both in basic science, and on translational applications.

Details of research projects currently being undertaken can be seen at: mcternanresearchgroup.com

Research techniques used in the laboratory include: Synthetic Organic Chemistry, Supramolecular Chemistry, Host-Guest Studies, NMR, ITC, HRMS, MSMS, CD, SPR, Fluorescence, UV-Vis, Bilayer Assays, Water Transport Assays, Self-Assembly, Cell Culture, Assay Development, Proteomics, Western Blot, Synthetic Inorganic Chemistry, Lipid Nanoparticles.

About the role

The Project

In this project, the successful candidate will work on synthesising metal-organic capsules with precisely functionalised interiors, using sequence-specific peptides, building on our recent successes in the area (Chem, 2024; ACIE, 2025;Chem. Sci., 2026). We are looking to build heteroleptic assemblies, and to generate diversified interior cavities as primitive enzyme mimics. The successful candidate will collaborate widely both within the group, and across the Crick and King’s. This role would suit a team player who enjoys juggling multiple projects and building relationships across disciplines.

Skills in synthetic chemistry are essential to the role, skills in any of: total synthesis, peptide synthesis, self-assembly, or cell work, would be useful in the role.

Skills in organic synthesis, supramolecular chemistry, peptide synthesis, and chemical biology would all be useful in this role. Other desirable skills include cell culture, assay design, and interpreting self-assembly. The candidate would not be expected to have all these skills; rather they would be enabled to gain new skills through extensive in house and wider training.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a vibrant and diverse team of 15 chemists and chemical biologists, working at a leading biological research institute. The post holder will be supported to develop new skills at the interface of chemistry with biology, with support from world-leading Science and Technology Platform scientists.

There will be opportunities to work across the group, from advanced organic synthesis, host-guest studies, peptide synthesis, antibody-drug conjugate design, and lipid nanoparticle optimisation, to biological assays, managing contract research organisations, and liaising with the Biological Research Facility.

International applicants welcome.

This is a full time (35 hours per week) post, offered on a fixed term contract until 31/08/27.

Research staff at King’s are entitled to at least 10 days per year (pro-rata) for professional development. This entitlement, from the  Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers, applies to Postdocs, Research Assistants, Research and Teaching Technicians, Teaching Fellows and AEP equivalent up to and including grade 7. Visit the  Centre for Research Staff Development for more information.

About you

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:

Essential criteria

1.      PhD in Supramolecular or Peptide Chemistry (or in the final stages of PhD submission)

2.      Expertise in organic synthesis and/or self-assembly

3.      Track record of writing papers as evidenced by publications or submitted manuscripts in referred journals

4.      Evidence of data presentation at scientific meetings

5.      Ability to work independently and within a group

6.      Evidence of a creative and collaborative approach 

Desirable criteria

1.       Experience in forming metal-organic capsules

2.       Experience in chemical biology

3.       Experience in host-guest chemistry

4.       Eager to learn new techniques

Downloading a copy of our Job Description 

Full details of the role and the skills, knowledge and experience required can be found in the Job Description document, provided at the bottom of the page. This document will provide information of what criteria will be assessed at each stage of the recruitment process.

* Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered. In these circumstances the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spine point 30 with the title of Research Assistant. Upon confirmation of the award of the PhD, the job title will become Research Associate and the salary will increase to Grade 6. 

Further Information

At King’s, we believe that the diversity of our community and a culture that is welcoming, open, inclusive and collaborative, are great strengths of the university. 

The Equality Act of 2010 protects the rights of our students and staff and provides a framework to fulfil our duties to eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and in addition, to advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations between those who share a protected characteristic and those who do not. At times, this will include balancing rights and beliefs that can feel in tension.

We are committed to free speech and to academic freedom, believing that our foundational purpose as a university, is to create spaces where a wide range of ideas, including ideas that are controversial, can be discussed and debated, and where members of our community can express lawful views without fear of intimidation, harassment or discrimination.

When engaging in the robust exchange of ideas, we ask that our community is mindful of our Dignity at King’s guidance.

We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV, and a supporting statement, detailing how they meet the essential criteria listed in the person specification section of the job description. If we receive a strong field of candidates, we may use the desirable criteria to choose our final shortlist, so please include your evidence against these where possible.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is evolving rapidly, and we recognise its growing role in professional work. Applicants may use AI tools to support preparation of their application, for example to research the role or structure written responses. However, applications must reflect the applicant’s own work and experience. AI tools should not be used during interviews or assessment activities unless this has been agreed in advance as a reasonable adjustment. Further guidance on the use of AI in recruitment can be found here.

We reserve the right to close adverts early due to the volume of applications we receive. While the closing date may change, all adverts will close at 23:59 to allow sufficient time for applications to be submitted on that day.

We encourage you to apply at the earliest opportunity to avoid disappointment as once we have closed a vacancy you will be unable to submit your application.

To find out how our managers will review your application, please take a look at our ‘How we Recruit’ pages.