Research Associate in Synthetic Biology and Biosynthesis

Job reference: SAE-021014

Location: Oxford Road, Manchester

Closing date (DD/MM/YYYY): 09/02/2023

Salary: £34,308 to £42,155 per annum depending on relevant experience

Employment type: Fixed Term

Faculty/Organisation: Science and Engineering

Division: Manchester Institute of Biotechnology (MIB)

Hours Per Week: Full time

Contract Duration: From 1 April 2023 until 31 March 2025

School / Directorate: FSE Research Institutes

The Research Associate will be based in the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology (MIB) and Department of Chemistry working with Prof Jason Micklefield.

There is an urgent need for new anti-infective agents to combat antimicrobial resistance and to protect the global population in the event of future pandemics. However, existing antimicrobial drugs are becoming increasingly ineffective due to antimicrobial resistance (AMR), with microbial pathogens rapidly evolving ways to evade the effects of these drug compounds. This project will focus on the discovery, characterisation and engineering of new biosynthetic pathways to antibiotics and other bioactive natural products produced by Streptomyces and related bacterial species. We are particularly interested in pathways to bioactive peptides and polyketide natural products. For examples of related previous work in our lab see:

Winn et al, Nature 2021, 593, 391-398 (https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-021-03447-w);

Thong et al Nature Communications 2021, 12, 6872 (https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-27139-1);

Law et al, Nature Catalysis 2018, 1, 977-984 (https://doi.org/10.1038/s41929-018-0178-2);

Applicants possessing relevant skills in biochemistry and/or molecular biology/microbial genetics are encouraged to apply. Our lab comprises of ca. 20 co-workers from both Chemistry and Biology backgrounds working on the discovery, characterisation and engineering of enzymes and biosynthetic pathways: https://www.micklefieldlab.chemistry.manchester.ac.uk

The School/Department is strongly committed to promoting equality and diversity, including the Athena SWAN charter for gender equality in higher education. The School/Department holds a Silver Award which recognises their good practice in relation to gender; including flexible working arrangements, family-friendly policies, and support to allow staff achieve a good work-life balance. We particularly welcome applications from women for this post. All appointment will be made on merit. For further information, please visit: http://www.chemistry.manchester.ac.uk/about-us/athena-swan/

Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here

Blended working arrangements may be considered

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Name: Professor Jason Micklefield.

Email: Jason.micklefield@manchester.ac.uk 

General enquiries:

Email: People.recruitment@manchester.ac.uk

Technical support:

https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.

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