Research Associate

About the role:

The Billerbeck Lab in the Department of Bioengineering at Imperial College London – the UK’s leading Bioengineering department – has an open position for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Gas Precision Fermentation. The position is funded by Horizon Europe via an Innovation Action, entitled AIR2FOOD. AIR2FOOD will establish Europe’s first integrated ecosystem for gas-based precision fermentation, turning CO₂ into high-value food ingredients using genetically engineered microorganisms.

To find out more about the Billerbeck Lab and our research, please visit us at www.billerbecklab.com.

What you would be doing

The candidate will conduct world-class research by developing food protein cell factories for gas precision fermentation, using hydrogen-oxidising bacteria (specifically Xanthobacter species). The role is interdisciplinary and involves genetic engineering, strain development, bioprocess development, small-scale bioreactor development, scale-up, stakeholder engagement, ecosystem building and product translation. AIR2FOOD is a multidisciplinary project and will involve collaboration with multiple industry partners, food accelerators and leading universities.

What we are looking for:

You will be responsible for conducting the research associated with one of the major work packages in the grant and taking the initiative in the planning and execution of the proposed research. You will identify and develop suitable designs, methodologies and approaches for the collection and analysis of data, ensuring the validity and reliability of data at all times. Additionally, you will work collaboratively with the consortium, which will include visits to present and discuss our findings, organise meetings, interact with stakeholders, exchange ideas and learn and implement new techniques and approaches where necessary. You will be encouraged to present your research at international conferences and expected to submit publications to refereed journals as well as project reports to the research sponsor. You will also assist in the supervision of both undergraduate and postgraduate research students, as well as contribute to the smooth running of the group’s laboratory.

Essential requirements

You will have: 

• A PhD in (bio)engineering, engineering biology/synthetic biology, natural sciences, biological sciences or a closely related discipline, or equivalent research, industrial or commercial experience
• Practical experience within a research environment, publication(s) in relevant (refereed) journals and experience of dealing with e.g., collaborators, sponsors
• Practical experience in a broad range of techniques including molecular biology (e.g. cloning, genome engineering), strain development, microbiological culturing, methodology development, bioprocess development.

What we can offer you: 

• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue 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). 

Further Information 

*Please note, if you are yet to receive your PhD you will be appointed as Research Associate on salary scale £43,863 - £47,223.

This is a full-time (35 hours), fixed term post for 36 months, and is expected to start 1^st September 2026.

For further information on the post, please contact Dr Sonja Billerbeck (s.billerbeck@imperial.ac.uk)

Closing date: Midnight 13 July 2026 (UK time)

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