Jessica Graham

• Jessica Graham (Cohort 1) completed her PhD at Newcastle University under the supervision of Prof Mike Waring. She is now a Postdoctoral Project Research Scientist at the Francis Crick Institute in London.

(Image 1: Dr Jessica Graham, second from left, with her Crick colleagues at the EFMC-ISMC in Rome, September 2024)

Following my PhD in Mike Waring’s lab at Newcastle University as part of the MoSMed CDT, I started as a Postdoctoral Project Research Scientist at The Francis Crick Institute in London. This position, which I began in October 2023, was an exciting transition from my PhD work that was focused on the synthesis DNA-encoded libraries (DELs) into applied research focused on the discovery of molecular glues. My role at the Crick is within the Chemical Biology STP (Science Technology Platform), where I work under the supervision of Dr. Joanna Redmond, with Dr. Louise Walport and Professor Ed Tate.

Currently, my work focuses on using DELs to identify novel molecular glues, a promising class of therapeutic compounds. As part of a multidisciplinary team, we use our combined expertise on medicinal chemistry, chemical biology and biochemistry to embark on this challenging research, using cutting-edge techniques and the amazing facilities that the Crick has to offer. Working here is incredibly motivating; the Crick’s collaborative environment actively encourages experts across diverse fields to drive forward innovative research. I’m grateful for the opportunities to learn new techniques and contribute to impactful collaborations.

(Image 2: Dr Jessica Graham, second from right, with the Chemical Biology STP, led by Dr Jo Redmond. Image 3: Dr Jessica Graham, fourth from left, with the Walport lab at their lab retreat to Kent.)

The MoSMed CDT provided invaluable support for my professional development, particularly by funding my attendance at both national and international conferences in medicinal chemistry and DEL research. Through these conferences, I established meaningful connections with researchers from both academia and industry, some of whom I am now actively collaborating with.

MoSMed has helped me prepare for the dynamic research environment at the Crick. Familiarity with techniques often discussed among my fellow doctoral researchers, such as proteomics and structural biology, has been helpful for my current role. Additionally, the mini–MBA I completed as part of the CDT has proven to be useful, giving me skills in grant writing and project management. My colleague and I are now leading efforts to secure funding, working directly with the Crick’s translation team and engaging with industrial partners.

Funnily enough, I never thought I’d end up doing a postdoc. During the PhD, we would discuss that we’d immediately want to transition into industry, however several of us secured postdoc positions. Looking back, I’m really glad I chose this path—I’ve learned so much in just a year, and I get to work with some incredible scientists who inspire me every day. After eight years in Newcastle, moving to London has been a big change of pace (also a place I didn’t picture myself landing!), but it’s been a refreshing and exciting shift. Sometimes the unexpected route opens doors you haven’t considered and brings the greatest opportunities for growth.

(Image 4: Dr Catherine Salvini, Dr Isaline Castan, Dr Jessica Graham, and Dr Alex Hallatt, left to right, celebrate their PhD graduation. Image 5: Celebrating with the Medicinal Chemistry group, including CDT Director, Prof Mike Waring.)