Senior Technician (Protein Design & Engineering)

We are seeking a motivated and collaborative individual to join our team as a Senior Technician (Protein Design & Engineering) within the Faculty of Science and Engineering, based at the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology (MIB).

This role offers an exciting opportunity to support cutting‑edge research by integrating computational protein design and wet‑lab experimentation. Working within a dynamic technical operations environment, you will contribute to projects focused on engineering enzymes using machine learning‑driven approaches, alongside experimental validation through protein production and characterisation.

This is a full‑time (35 hours per week), fixed‑term role for 12 months, based at the University of Manchester.

You will play a key role in supporting multidisciplinary research, working closely with academic staff, technical specialists and researchers to develop and deliver innovative solutions in protein engineering.

You will be responsible for:

• Supporting and developing computational protein design workflows, including machine‑learning based approaches
• Producing, purifying and characterising protein variants using biochemical and biophysical techniques
• Performing enzyme assays and analysing results to validate in silico predictions
• Applying data analysis and scripting tools (e.g. Python, structural biology tools) to process and interpret datasets
• Maintaining robust data management practices, including shared databases and electronic lab notebooks

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

• Experience in protein engineering, including molecular biology, protein expression and purification
• Experience using computational approaches for protein design or analysis (e.g. molecular dynamics, structure‑based methods)
• Proficiency in scripting and analysis tools (e.g. Python, PyMOL or similar)
• Ability to integrate computational outputs with experimental workflows
• Excellent organisational, communication and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively

Desirable Criteria

• Experience with machine learning‑based protein design tools
• Experience working across multiple expression systems or with engineered microbial strains
• Experience contributing to research outputs or collaborating with industrial partners
• Experience delivering training or supporting teaching in a laboratory environment

We value technical innovation, collaboration and a commitment to high‑quality, reproducible research as much as formal qualifications.

Our benefits include:

• Generous employer pension contribution
• Christmas closure in addition to annual leave and bank holidays
• Access to training and professional development opportunities

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: Derren Heyes
Email Address: derren.heyes@manchester.ac.uk

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

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

This role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Applicants must demonstrate the right to work in the UK.

Applications close at midnight on the closing date.

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