Research Associate – Enzyme Design and Engineering

Research Associate – Enzyme Design and Engineering Overview

The University of Manchester is seeking to appoint a Research Associate in Enzyme Design and Engineering to contribute to an innovative research programme focused on enzyme discovery, design, and engineering. The successful candidate will work within a multidisciplinary research environment dedicated to advancing biochemical and biotechnological approaches for the development of engineered enzymes and biological systems.

• Design, characterisation, and optimisation of candidate enzymes, applying modern molecular biology and engineering biology approaches.
• Assemble genetic constructs and libraries, evaluate library quality and size, and transfer constructs into appropriate host organisms.
• Characterise engineered strains and enzymes through growth studies, enzymatic assays, and biochemical analyses.
• Use analytical techniques such as liquid chromatography, gas chromatography, NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and related methods to detect and quantify precursor formation and related metabolites.
• Participate in iterative cycles of enzyme and strain design, testing, and refinement based on experimental results.
• Work toward miniaturisation and automation of DNA assembly, strain construction, and screening pipelines to support high-throughput production of prototype glycans, glycoconjugates, and related biomolecules.
• Collaborate with principal investigators, research staff, and external collaborators; review literature and share insights through discussions and presentations.
• Maintain accurate research records, prepare written reports, present findings at meetings, and contribute to publications and conference presentations.
• Comply with research practices relating to confidentiality, intellectual property, and data management; participate in collaborative meetings with academic and industry partners.

Applicants must hold a PhD (or equivalent qualification) in biochemistry, chemistry, molecular biology, biotechnology, or a closely related discipline. Candidates should demonstrate strong knowledge of enzyme biochemistry, molecular biology, and biocatalysis. Applicants who have submitted their doctoral thesis but have not yet received their degree may be considered and appointed at the appropriate level until the award is confirmed.

• Specialist knowledge of enzyme biochemistry, biocatalysis, and molecular biology
• Experience with recombinant protein production, purification, and characterisation
• Practical experience with molecular biology techniques and microbiological methods
• Ability to design and assemble genetic constructs and enzyme libraries
• Experience with enzyme assay development and kinetic characterisation
• Familiarity with analytical techniques including HPLC, NMR, mass spectrometry, gas chromatography, or related methods
• Ability to analyse experimental data and refine enzyme or strain designs through iterative research cycles
• Strong organisational and documentation skills for maintaining accurate experimental records
• Ability to contribute to research publications and scientific dissemination
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for collaboration within multidisciplinary teams
• Ability to plan and manage research activities independently while contributing to collaborative projects

£36,924 to £45,163 per annum (depending on experience and qualifications).