Research Associate in Computational Biomolecular Physics

About the role

You will play a key role in a multidisciplinary programme on computational proteomics in a new physical dimension, supported by UKRI and the NSF, involving Imperial College London (Physics), the University of California San Diego (Computing), as well as industrial and academic partners in Europe and the US. The programme aims to develop conceptually new de novo sequencing tools based on two-dimensional partial covariance mass spectrometry, invented and developed in the Department of Physics at Imperial College London. This role offers a unique opportunity for a physicist interested in developing transformative analytical technologies.

What you would be doing

This role combines computational and experimental aspects. You will design and implement advanced computational algorithms for reconstructing peptide sequences directly from experimental mass spectral data, without recourse to protein sequence databases. You will also be engaged in mass spectral data acquisition in an analytical mass spectrometry laboratory.

You will work collaboratively with the Imperial College team and US project partners on the development and optimisation of de novo sequencing algorithms. You will liaise with project partners and participate in data acquisition campaigns in partner laboratories.

What we are looking for

You will hold a PhD in Physics (or a closely related quantitative discipline) and have an outstanding record of research achievement. We are particularly interested in candidates with exceptional computational and analytical skills, demonstrated through the development of novel algorithms, advanced data-analysis methodologies, scientific software, machine learning approaches or other computational research tools.

The ideal candidate will be intellectually ambitious, highly self-motivated and excited by the prospect of working at the boundary between physics, computation and biomolecular science. Experience in proteomics or mass spectrometry is not required; candidates with strong backgrounds in computational physics, statistical physics, machine learning, signal processing, inverse problems, optimisation, applied mathematics or related fields are particularly encouraged to apply.

What we can offer you

• The opportunity to contribute to a pioneering international research programme aimed at establishing an entirely new physical paradigm for biomolecular sequencing. You will help develop both the underlying physical methodology and the computational frameworks required to unlock information inaccessible to conventional analytical approaches, creating new capabilities with broad scientific and technological impact.
• Collaboration within a multidisciplinary team involving physicists, computer scientists and analytical mass spectrometrists.
• Involvement in publications, conference presentations and future grant applications.
• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and contribute to our mission of “Science for Humanity”.
• Access to Imperial’s sector-leading career support for researchers, as well as opportunities for promotion and progression.
• A sector-leading salary and remuneration package, including 41 days’ leave per year and generous pension schemes.
• A diverse, inclusive and collaborative working culture, with staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing.

Further information

The position is available immediately. We would ideally like the successful candidate to start as soon as possible, but the start date is flexible and can be agreed to accommodate notice periods and other commitments.

This is a full-time (35 hours per week), fixed-term role based at our South Kensington Campus.

If you require further details about the role, please contact:
Professor Vitali Averbukh –