Lecturer/Associate Professor in Artificial Intelligence for Biomolecular Design and Molecular Interactions
Develop AI-driven approaches for biomolecular design and molecular interaction engineering at UCL’s Structural & Molecular Biology Department.
Best for:Best for established researchers with a PhD in computational biology, bioinformatics, or related fields, strong AI/ML expertise, and a track record in interdisciplinary bioscience research and teaching.
Overview
This faculty position at University College London (UCL) seeks a Lecturer or Associate Professor to establish or expand a research programme focused on AI-driven biomolecular design. The successful candidate will integrate structural biology, biophysics, quantitative biology, and machine learning to model and engineer interactions between proteins, small molecules, and nucleic acids. The role involves leading research, teaching at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels (including a new MRes in AI for Bioscience), and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration within the Structural & Molecular Biology department. The appointment is subject to UCL’s academic staff terms and conditions, with interviews provisionally scheduled for early January 2027.
What you'll do
- Develop and lead an internationally competitive research programme focused on AI-driven biomolecular design and molecular interaction engineering.
- Conduct research integrating structural, thermodynamic, and sequence-level information to model binding specificity, affinity, and conformational dynamics.
- Translate research insights into the rational design of novel biomolecules and interaction networks.
- Teach at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, including courses in computational biology, protein-nucleic acid/small molecule interactions, and biomolecular design.
- Contribute to the new cross-division MRes programme in AI for Bioscience.
- Collaborate with experimentalists and theoreticians within the Structural & Molecular Biology department to shape new research directions.
- Build collaborative partnerships, attract research funding, and contribute to an inclusive academic environment.
- Support the department’s vision of creating societal impact through research and teaching.
Requirements
Degree required: PhD or equivalent qualification in a relevant field such as AI for Biomolecular Design, Computational Biology, or closely related disciplines with a strong quantitative and data science focus.
Language: English; proficiency required for teaching and research communication (no specific test mentioned).
Instruction: English
Publications: Innovative research agenda and track record in AI for Biomolecular Designs and Molecular Interactions.
- Proven track record in developing innovative approaches combining structural biology, biophysics, quantitative biology, and machine learning.
- Experience in research-led teaching at undergraduate and/or postgraduate levels.
- Strong interest and capability in interdisciplinary working and translational impact.
- Ability to build collaborative partnerships and attract research funding.
- Experience in computational modeling and analysis of biomolecular interactions.
- PhD or equivalent qualification in a relevant field.
- No explicit nationality or residency restrictions mentioned.
- No age or prior experience caps specified.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-11-27
Applicants should apply through the UCL job portal by submitting an online application. The application process includes providing a CV, cover letter, and other required documents. For queries about the application process or to request reasonable adjustments, contact the FLS HR team via email.
- CV
- Cover letter
- Research statement or proposal
- Transcripts or proof of PhD qualification
- Publication list or research portfolio
Contact
Professor Franca Fraternali· Informal queries about the post
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