Post-doctoral Research Associate in Synthetic Biology and Metabolic Engineering

Job reference: SAE-030006
Salary: £37,694 - 46,049 per annum depending on 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): 13/11/2025
Contract Duration: Fixed term for 36 months
School/Directorate: School of Natural Sciences

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to work with Prof Neil Dixon based in the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology. The position is available for up to 60 months, initially 36 months) and is available from the 1st December 2025. This specific role will seek to convert low-value waste-derived feedstocks into value-added chemicals including monomers (diols, dicaids etc), bio-based solvents and aroma chemicals. Key to the success of the engineering biology approaches, is the ability to sense and regulate the associated molecules and genes/pathways. This post will develop genetic tools, based on allosteric transcription factors and to employ these tools to fine tune the expression/metabolic flux in suitable production host. In particular, tools for sensing intermediates and controlling gene expression are essential for developing a mature synthetic biology platform. You should be capable of working under your own initiative and within a research team, so excellent communication and organisational skills are required. Applicants should have, or be about to obtain, a PhD in Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Molecular Microbiology, Metabolic Engineering (or closely related field). This project would suit individuals interested in microbial biotechnology, and the sustainable bioeconomy.

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 welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.

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 recruitment enquiries from recruitment agencies should be directed to People.Recruitment@manchester.ac.uk.

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

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Name: Neil Dixon

Email: neil.dixon@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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