Senior Research Fellow in Structural Biology & Enzyme Design

Full Time Fixed Term until 31/10/2026

The Opportunity

The University of Southampton is seeking to appoint a Senior Research Fellow to help lead exciting new work in enzyme discovery and design. This role provides the opportunity to combine structural biology with the latest advances in computational protein science, shaping ambitious programmes that bridge fundamental discovery with translational application.

The postholder will join a thriving, multidisciplinary environment where collaboration across structural biology, computation, and translational research is strongly encouraged. You will contribute to initiating new funding areas through collaborative grant applications, and play a key role in strengthening Southampton’s position as an international leader in structural biology and protein design.

What you’ll do

Research

• Lead research projects focused on understanding and redesigning enzymes using a combination of structural and computational approaches.
• Deliver high-quality structural biology, applying advanced methods to determine and analyse protein structures that underpin enzyme function and redesign.
• Generate and interpret structural data to inform and validate computational predictions.
• Publish in high-impact international journals and present work at national and global conferences.
• Lead the development of grant applications, support and deliver externally funded research programmes, with particular emphasis on UKRI BBSRC funding streams.

Knowledge Exchange & Impact

• Translate research insights into intellectual property and practical applications.
• Develop and strengthen collaborations with industrial and clinical partners to support translational impact.
• Share tools, methods, and findings openly with the wider scientific community.
• Represent Southampton’s research excellence in structural and computational bioscience on the international stage.

Leadership & Engagement

• Provide scientific leadership within a collaborative team environment.
• Mentor, supervise, and develop junior researchers, fostering an inclusive and supportive research culture.
• Contribute to grant strategy and development, ensuring the long-term sustainability of collaborative research programmes.
• Support and engage actively with the University’s Precision Bioscience Theme, helping to set the strategic direction of research across disciplines.

About you

Essential

• A PhD in structural biology, computational biology, biochemistry, or a closely related field.
• Significant experience in experimental structural biology (e.g. X-ray crystallography, cryo-EM, or related approaches) and biophysical protein characterisation.
• Experience with high-throughput protein production pipelines.
• Demonstrated ability to work with biologically or medically relevant enzyme systems.
• A strong track record of high-quality publications in international journals.
• Evidence of contributing to successful UKRI grant applications.
• Excellent communication skills and a collaborative approach to multidisciplinary research.
• Experience mentoring or supervising junior colleagues and contributing to team development.

Desirable

• Prior experience in enzyme redesign, immune-related proteins, or computational protein engineering.
• Evidence of engagement with translational research and/or intellectual property development.
• A record of building collaborations across academia, healthcare, and industry.
• Creativity in developing new research methodologies in protein and enzyme science.

What we offer

Southampton offers a dynamic and supportive research environment with cutting-edge facilities and a culture of collaboration. You will be supported in developing your own research profile, in contributing to large collaborative programmes, and in translating discoveries into broader applications. Benefits include a generous holiday entitlement, additional closure days, flexible working opportunities, and a commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are committed to building a diverse, inclusive research community.

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