LifeArc Chemistry

Why complete this Job Simulation

A risk-free way to experience work on the job with us at LifeArc. Practise your skills, gain new knowledge, and test your enthusiasm for relevant tasks.

Self-paced

5-6 hours

No grades

No assessments

Intermediate

Welcome to the LifeArc Chemistry Job Simulation! We are thrilled to have you here.

The Chemical Biology team focuses on the design and synthesis of drug-like molecules for the treatment of various diseases.

During this programme, you will get the opportunity to step into the shoes of a LifeArc associate scientist and complete tasks that replicate the work that our Chemical Biology team does every day. You’ll gain knowledge and skills in:
- Designing and synthesising bioactive compounds
- Interpreting data from biochemical validation experiments
- Communicating project findings

We hope this programme provides a great resource for you to enhance and strengthen your CV as you explore career options and a potential career at LifeArc.

How it works

Complete tasks guided by pre-recorded videos and example answers from our team at LifeArc. No live sessions, all self-paced.
Earn a certificate and add it to your CV and LinkedIn as an extracurricular activity.
Stand out in job applications. Show familiarity with real-life topics, tasks and environment of a chemical biology R&D lab.

Skills that will help before starting:

Undergraduate level molecular biology

Undergraduate level organic chemistry

Skills you will learn and practice:

Chemical Analysis

Chemical Modeling

Chemical Synthesis

Data Interpretation

Molecular Design

Presentation Preparation

Research Communication

Research Design

Research Presentation

Introduction from LifeArc

Tasks

Intro & Scenario

Background context and your project team

Your role

As an associate scientist in our Chemical Biology team, you are working on the development of a new proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTAC) against a cancer-relevant protein. PROTACs are a recently developed class of designer molecules that promote the degradation of specific proteins in the cell by targeting them to the cellular organelle known as the proteasome. The modular structure of PROTACs and their potential to target molecules that are out of reach for classic inhibitors and antibodies make them promising drug candidates for a broad range of diseases.

In this simulation, you will:

Design candidate PROTAC molecules against a cancer-relevant protein
Learn about click chemistry and how it enables efficient and versatile PROTAC synthesis
Interpret data from PROTAC validation experiments
Summarise your findings in a presentation and deliver it in a video recording

Your goal

Determine a lead PROTAC candidate to put forward for further validation
Present your research findings to the team

Intro & Scenario

Background context and your project team

Your role

As an associate scientist in our Chemical Biology team, you are working on the development of a new proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTAC) against a cancer-relevant protein. PROTACs are a recently developed class of designer molecules that promote the degradation of specific proteins in the cell by targeting them to the cellular organelle known as the proteasome. The modular structure of PROTACs and their potential to target molecules that are out of reach for classic inhibitors and antibodies make them promising drug candidates for a broad range of diseases.

In this simulation, you will:

Design candidate PROTAC molecules against a cancer-relevant protein
Learn about click chemistry and how it enables efficient and versatile PROTAC synthesis
Interpret data from PROTAC validation experiments
Summarise your findings in a presentation and deliver it in a video recording

Your goal

Determine a lead PROTAC candidate to put forward for further validation
Present your research findings to the team

Reviews

4.6

I really enjoyed the simulation because it felt like working on a real client project. The tasks were practical, well-structured, and helped me improve my problem-solving, communication, and business analysis skills. It gave me a better understanding of how professionals approach real-world challenges and was a valuable learning experience.

Student

It was very informative , and it taught me so much about processes I’ve never heard before. I feel more confident applying for roles based in this chemistry. It guided me very well , and has improved my chemical knowledge and also my presentation skills. It has been such a value experience and I am really glad I signed up for it .

Student, University of Nottingham

I really liked how the program simulated real-life drug discovery work, allowing me to move step by step from PROTAC design to synthesis, data analysis, and presentation. It helped me build confidence in both scientific thinking and communication while applying concepts in a practical, industry-relevant context.

Student, Queen Mary University of London

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