Research Associate

We are a world class research-intensive university. We deliver teaching and learning of the highest quality. We play a leading role in economic, social and cultural development of the North East of England. Attracting and retaining high-calibre people is fundamental to our continued success.

Salary
Research Assistant £33,002.00 - £33,951.00 per annum.
Research Associate £35,608.00 - £37,694.00 per annum.

The Role
We are seeking a talented and motivated early‑career researcher to join the Howard Group at Newcastle University as a Research Associate (PDRA) in Cell‑Free Metabolic Engineering (CFME). This role is part of the national Great British Chemicals consortium and focuses on developing CFME as a platform technology to enable more sustainable, low‑carbon and circular approaches to chemical manufacturing.

You will design, build and optimise modular, multi‑enzyme pathways in cell‑free systems. Working at the interface of molecular biology, biochemistry and systems engineering, you will combine experimental work with statistical Design of Experiments (DoE), computational guidance and laboratory automation to rapidly explore and improve pathway performance. The post offers excellent opportunities for publications, collaboration and professional development, with strong mentoring and access to modern facilities.

You will contribute to a coordinated research effort to design and assemble tractable, modular cell‑free networks that convert simple carbon sources into valuable products relevant to industry. The work will include: (1) computational assessment of network architecture and autocatalytic strategies; (2) experimental development and optimisation of metabolic modules and conditions, including construct design, protein expression and purification, and product quantification; and (3) integration of complete networks with cofactor recycling.

As part of our commitment to career development for research colleagues, the University has developed 3 levels of research role profiles. These profiles set out firstly the generic competences and responsibilities expected of role holders at each level and secondly the general qualifications and experiences needed for entry at a particular level.

For informal enquiries, please contact Dr Thomas Howard (thomas.howard@newcastle.ac.uk).

For background on the consortium, see Newcastle University news: https://www.ncl.ac.uk/press/articles/latest/2025/06/greatbritishchemicals/.

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