Research Associates in Photo-Biocatalysis

We are seeking motivated and collaborative individuals to join our team as Research Associates in Photo‑Biocatalysis. These roles offer an exciting opportunity to contribute to a major interdisciplinary research programme within the Department of Chemistry and the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology (MIB). You will work in a dynamic and inclusive research environment as part of the £4M BBSRC‑funded Strategic Longer and Larger (sLoLa) programme, Generalised Photocatalysis by Enzymes (GENPENZ).

Two full‑time, fixed‑term postdoctoral positions are available for 12 months. The posts are based in Manchester and form part of a multi‑centre collaboration with the Universities of Manchester, Bristol and Edinburgh.

You will be responsible for:

• Driving the mechanistic and structural analysis of engineered photo‑biocatalysts
• Producing, purifying and characterising enzyme variants and designed proteins
• Designing and evaluating protein variants to understand photocatalytic function
• Developing and applying advanced biophysical platforms, including light‑activated and high‑throughput mass spectrometry
• Disseminating research through high‑quality publications, reports and conference presentations

The Manchester‑based post holders will work closely with partner postdoctoral researchers focusing on data‑driven modelling (Edinburgh) and de novo protein scaffold design (Bristol), contributing to an integrated Design‑Build‑Evaluate‑Learn discovery platform.

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 close to completion) in analytical sciences, protein science, biophysics, enzymology, structural biology, protein engineering or protein design
• Experience in protein expression, purification and biochemical characterisation
• Strong analytical and data‑analysis skills, with confidence handling complex datasets
• Ability to plan, optimise and progress research independently while working collaboratively
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Desirable criteria:

• Experience using mass spectrometry or time‑resolved spectroscopy for protein analysis
• Experience with structural or biophysical characterisation of protein systems
• Experience contributing to interdisciplinary or collaborative research programmes

We value transferable skills, curiosity and a willingness to work across multiple biophysical platforms as much as formal qualifications.

Our benefits include:

• Generous employer pension contribution
• 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: www.manchester.ac.uk/connect/jobs/benefits-working-here.
You can also find information on Flexible and Hybrid working here: 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: www.staffnet.manchester.ac.uk/news/display/?id=32905.

Enquiries about the role, shortlisting and interviews
Name: Professor Nigel Scrutton / Professor Perdita Barran
Email Address: nigel.scrutton@manchester.ac.uk/perdita.barran@manchester.ac.uk

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

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

Applications close at midnight on the closing date.

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