Postdoctoral Research Associate in Enzyme Engineering and Biocatalysis

Job reference: SAE-031578
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): 17/06/2026
Contract Duration: Fixed term for 18 months
School/Directorate: School of Natural Sciences

We are seeking a motivated and collaborative individual to join our team as a Research Associate in Enzyme Engineering and Biocatalysis. This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting‑edge research within the Department of Chemistry, based at the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology (MIB). You will work in a dynamic and inclusive research environment, supporting innovative science with potential impact in materials and medicinal chemistry.

This fixed‑term post is available for 18 months from 1 July 2026 and is part of the project “Enantioselective hydrogen atom transfer biocatalysis” led by Professor Andrew Buller.

You will be responsible for:

• Designing and undertaking high‑quality research in enzyme engineering and biocatalysis
• Developing innovative experimental protocols for new‑to‑nature enzymatic transformations
• Delivering research outputs to agreed timelines, including publications and reports
• Collaborating with academic colleagues and contributing to interdisciplinary research activity
• Supporting and training researchers and students within the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology

We welcome candidates who bring diverse perspectives, experiences, and approaches to their work.

About You
We encourage applications from individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. You should demonstrate:

Essential Criteria ):

• A PhD (or equivalent) in Chemistry or a closely related discipline
• Demonstrable research experience evidenced through peer‑reviewed publications
• Knowledge of, or strong interest in, enzyme engineering, biocatalysis or related areas
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative research team
• Excellent communication and organisational skills

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience in organic synthesis, biocatalysis or directed evolution
• Experience developing novel experimental or biocatalytic approaches
• Experience presenting research at conferences or seminars
• Experience supporting or mentoring researchers or students

We value transferable skills, creativity and research potential as much as formal qualifications, and training will be provided to support development where needed.

Our benefits include:

• Generous employer contribution pension
• 29 days annual leave plus bank holidays, along with Christmas closure
• Access to world‑class facilities within the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology

For more information, please see https://www.manchester.ac.uk/connect/jobs/benefits-working-here/ . You can also find information on our Flexible and Hybrid working https://www.staffnet.manchester.ac.uk/people/current-staff/flexible-and-hybrid-working/.

We are an open place of enquiry and challenge. We embrace and celebrate difference, diversity and debate, and we pride ourselves on being a place of education, learning and community. Find out more from our Freedom of Speech Policy: https://www.staffnet.manchester.ac.uk/news/display/?id=32905.

Enquiries about the role, shortlisting and interviews
Name: Professor Andrew Buller
Email Address: andrew.buller@manchester.ac.uk 

General enquiries and administrative support
recruitmentservices.people@manchester.ac.uk 

Technical and job portal support
https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home 

Applicants must demonstrate the right to work in the UK.

Applications close at midnight on the closing date.

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