Research Fellow in Ion Channel Pharmacology

Job Description:

Research Fellow in Ion Channel Pharmacology, Faculty of Biological Sciences

Salary: Grade 7 (£41,064 - £48,822 p.a.)

This role will be based on the university campus. We are open to discussing flexible working arrangements.

Are you an ambitious researcher looking for your next challenge? Do you have an established background in ion channel research? Do you want to further your career in one of the UKs leading research intensive Universities?

We are researching pharmacological treatments for KCNT1-associated childhood epileptic disorders, for which there is presently no effective therapy. KCNT1 mutations cause an increase in KNa1.1 potassium channel activity and we have used protein structure-based virtual screening to identify novel potassium channel inhibitors. The research builds on our previous work in this area (see Cole et al., 2020, iScience and Caseley et al.,2026, Eur. J. Med. Chem.) and aims to progress hit candidates to lead molecules for further development as a drug. We are looking for a candidate with experience in ion channel function or pharmacology who would like to apply their expertise in the discovery of potential treatments for a rare neurological disorder. The role, funded by Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity, will involve pharmacological characterisation of KNa1.1-inhibiting molecules using fluorescence microplate reader assays, manual and automated patch clamp electrophysiology. The successful candidate will play a key role in advancing our understanding of how compounds inhibit potassium channels, and which chemical properties determine their potency and selectivity. Our interdisciplinary project team includes Dr Jonathan Lippiat (ion channel biology), Dr Katie Simmons (medicinal chemistry), and Dr Martin McPhillie (medicinal chemistry).

You should have a PhD (or close to completion) in ion channel research or a closely allied discipline with experience in patch clamp electrophysiology and mammalian cell culture.

The University of Leeds and the Faculty of Biological Sciences are committed to providing equal opportunities for all and offer a range of family friendly policies. The University is a charter member of Athena SWAN (the national body that promotes gender equality in higher education), and the Faculty of Biological Sciences was re-awarded a Silver award in 2025. We are proud to be an inclusive Faculty that values all staff, and are happy to consider job share applications and requests for flexible working arrangements from our employees. Our Athena SWAN webpage provides more information.

Salary Requirements of the Skilled Worker Visa Route

Please note that this post may be suitable for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route but first-time applicants might need to qualify for salary concessions. For more information please visit: www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa.

For research and academic posts, we will consider eligibility under the Global Talent visa. For more information please visit: https://www.gov.uk/global-talent

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact:

Dr Katie Simmons

Tel: +44 (0)113 343 6551

Email: [email protected]

Dr Jonathan Lippiat

Tel: +44 (0)113 343 4236

Email: [email protected]

Closing Date: 20 Jul 2026

Section: Research

Salary: £41,064 to £48,822 p.a.