Postdoctoral Research Associate in Biocatalysis

Job reference: SAE-031690
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): 29/06/2026
Contract Duration: Fixed term for 24 months
School/Directorate: School of Natural Sciences

We are seeking motivated and collaborative individuals to join our team as Research Associates in Protein Engineering and Biocatalysis. These roles offer an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting‑edge research within the Department of Chemistry and the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology (MIB), working at the interface of enzyme engineering and sustainable manufacturing.

Two full‑time, fixed‑term Research Associate posts are available for 24 months from September 2026. You will work within the research groups of Professor Anthony Green and Dr Jack Rowbotham, contributing to an Innovate UK‑funded project in close collaboration with industrial partners.

You will be part of a dynamic and inclusive interdisciplinary research environment, developing new enzyme design and engineering methodologies to create highly proficient biocatalysts for a wide range of chemical transformations, with direct relevance to sustainable industrial processes.

You will be responsible for:

• Designing and undertaking high‑quality research in protein engineering and biocatalysis
• Developing innovative experimental protocols and biocatalytic approaches
• Applying protein redesign, library generation and high‑throughput screening or selection methods
• Collaborating closely with academic and industrial partners to deliver industry‑focused research outputs
• Disseminating research through peer‑reviewed publications, reports and presentations

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, Biochemistry, Chemical Biology, Molecular Biology or a closely related discipline
• A strong research track record in biocatalysis or protein engineering, evidenced by peer‑reviewed publications
• Experience in enzyme engineering, protein expression and mutagenesis and/or directed evolution
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative research team
• Excellent communication and organisational skills

Desirable Criteria

• Experience in organic synthesis
• Experience developing high‑throughput assays for enzyme screening
• Experience working with industrial partners or industry‑facing research projects
• Experience supporting or training students or early‑career researchers

We value transferable skills, creativity and a strong commitment to collaborative, inclusive research 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 and professional development opportunities at 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 Flexible and Hybrid working here:
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 Anthony Green
Email Address: anthony.green@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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