Research Associate in Biocatalytic Degradation of Post-consumer Polymeric Materials

Job reference: SAE-029685
Salary: £37,174 to £40,497 per annum dependent on relevant experience
Faculty/Organisational Unit: Science and Engineering
Location: Manchester Institute of Biotechnology
Employment type: Fixed Term
Division/Team: Department of Chemistry
Hours Per Week: Full Time (1 FTE)
Closing date (DD/MM/YYYY): 18/09/2025
Contract Duration: 18 months
School/Directorate: School of Natural Sciences

The University invites applications for the above post, which is tenable in the first instance for 18 months (and extendible subject to satisfactory performance). The post is to start on 15/09/25 or as soon as possible afterwards.

The post-holder will carry out research to investigate the biocatalytic degradation of post-consumer polymeric materials. More specifically, the post-holder will carry out research related to the directed evolution of enzymes, the biochemical and biophysical characterization of candidate enzymes, and the chemical analysis of enzymatic reactions. Thus, the candidate will be expected to design and perform laboratory-based experimentation, analyse the outcomes of the experiments, draw well rationalised conclusions and communicate their findings to other parties. Working in a team, the successful candidate will need good communication skills and exchange technical information with scientists from different disciplines.

What you will get in return:

• Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
• Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
• Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
• Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
• Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers

As an equal opportunities employer we support an inclusive working environment and welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.

The Department of Chemistry is strongly committed to promoting equality and diversity, including the Athena SWAN Charter for gender equality in higher education. The 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 to achieve a good work-life balance. We particularly welcome applications from women for this post. Appointment will always 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

Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.

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

Any CV’s submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Name: Lu Shin Wong

Email: l.s.wong@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.

Please be aware that due to the number of applications we are unfortunately not able to provide individual feedback on your application.

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