Research Fellow in Cell Free DNA Manufacturing

About us

UCL is a world-leading research university, ranked second in the UK for Research Strength in REF2021. The Department of Biochemical Engineering (UCLBE) is the largest academic bioprocessing group globally, with a strong track record of delivering high-impact research and training future leaders in the bioeconomy. Our mission is to address global challenges in health, food security and sustainability through excellence in research, education and collaboration.

Research within the department spans advanced biomanufacturing technologies across sectors including biological medicines (proteins, cell and gene therapies, vaccines) and green industrial biotechnology such as biorefining and the circular bioeconomy. Our work is supported by state-of-the-art facilities and strong partnerships with academia and industry, enabling translation into real-world impact.

About the role

This role is part of an Innovate UK-funded project developing enzymatic DNA production methods to improve the speed, cost and accuracy of precision plant breeding. Reliable long DNA synthesis is essential for introducing complex traits addressing reduced pesticide use, carbon capture, climate resilience and food security, but current methods remain slow and costly.

The project brings together UCL, The Sainsbury Laboratory and Newcleic, a UCL spin-out developing automated, cell-free DNA manufacturing technologies. The aim is to deliver a faster, more robust and scalable approach aligned with the UK Precision Breeding Act.

Over 18 months, the postdoctoral researcher will develop and evaluate cell-based and cell-free DNA synthesis approaches, optimising process robustness and product quality. The role includes techno-economic and sustainability analysis to compare production platforms across varying DNA lengths. The postholder will report to Professor Daniel Bracewell within a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment.

About you

To succeed, you will have:

• A PhD (awarded or near completion) in a relevant discipline (e.g. Biochemical/Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology).
• Experience in process design and biological laboratory studies.
• Knowledge of nucleic acid synthesis and enzymatic processes.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to design and troubleshoot experiments independently.
• A track record of accurate, reproducible work and effective teamwork.
• A positive, solution-focused mindset.

Join a dynamic department contributing to cutting-edge bioprocessing research and make a meaningful impact in biochemical engineering.

What we offer

As well as exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits, visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/rewards-and-benefits to find out more.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women. Our department holds an Athena Swan Gold award in recognition of our commitment and demonstrable impact in advancing gender equality. You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion here: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/equality-diversity-inclusion

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