Research Associate in Chemical Biology

Location: White City Campus

About the role:

The post is funded by the Department of Chemistry to carry out research programmes in Chemistry and Biology within the Micklefield lab, developing more sustainable bio-inspired ways to build molecules for therapeutic and other applications. The Micklefield lab has an eclectic philosophy and is highly interdisciplinary, tackling diverse challenges at the Chemistry-Biology interface.

What you would be doing:

Our team exploits techniques and knowledge from organic chemistry and enzymology through to molecular microbiology and genetics to develop sustainable routes to target molecules.

The main research themes include:

1. Biosynthesis and biosynthetic pathway engineering, providing novel bioactive natural products, particularly new antibiotics to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and treat neglected diseases;
2. Biocatalysis & integrated catalysis, encompassing enzyme discovery, characterisation & engineering for enzymatic synthesis. Merging chemo- and biocatalysis for telescoping routes to pharmaceuticals and other valuable products.

For more information see:

https://www.micklefieldlab.chemistry.manchester.ac.uk

https://profiles.imperial.ac.uk/j.micklefield

What we are looking for:

• Applicants should hold a PhD in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a closely related discipline.
• Practical experience in enzyme discovery, characterisation, and enzyme engineering is desirable.
• Knowledge in some of the following areas would be useful: biocatalysis, enzymatic synthesis and directed evolution; biosynthesis of natural products; biosynthetic pathway engineering and related methods in microbiology; bioinformatics and genome mining; organic synthesis and basic analytical methods.  

What we can offer you:

• The opportunity to join a world-leading lab for the discovery and characterisation of novel enzymes
• A career at a world-leading institution contributing to our mission to advance science for humanity.
• Grow your career: gain access to Imperial’s sector-leading dedicated career support for researchers as well as opportunities for promotion and progression.
• Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 41 days off a year and generous pension schemes).
• Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing.

Further Information

This is a full time, fixed term role for up to 12 months. You will be based at White City Campus.

Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as a Research Assistant.

If you require any further details about the role, please contact:

Professor Jason Micklefield, Email: j.micklefield@imperial.ac.uk

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