Research Associate

Are you passionate about engineering biology and developing sustainable solutions to address global environmental challenges?

We are seeking an ambitious and highly motivated Post Doctoral Researcher to join the Rodrigo Ledesma-Amaro Lab in the Department of Bioengineering at Imperial College London as part of the PROPEL project, an exciting European collaborative initiative developing next-generation sustainable biomanufacturing technologies.

The successful candidate will join the Bezos Centre for Sustainable Protein and the Microbial Food Hub, internationally recognised centres driving innovation in engineering biology, precision fermentation and sustainable food systems. Working within a multidisciplinary and collaborative research environment, you will contribute to pioneering research at the interface of synthetic biology, metabolic engineering, microbial biotechnology and bioprocess engineering.

This role will focus on engineering the oleaginous yeast Yarrowia lipolytica to produce high-value lipids using state-of-the-art synthetic biology and metabolic engineering approaches. You will design and construct novel microbial cell factories, optimise metabolic pathways and develop sustainable bioprocesses that contribute to a circular bioeconomy.

As part of the PROPEL consortium, you will contribute to developing innovative biological manufacturing platforms that transform renewable and waste-derived carbon sources into valuable bio-based products. The project aims to establish sustainable alternatives to fossil-derived materials by combining advances in synthetic biology, fermentation and waste valorisation, helping accelerate Europe's transition towards greener manufacturing.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research with real-world environmental impact while working alongside leading academic and industrial collaborators across Europe.

You will undertake research within the Rodrigo Ledesma-Amaro Laboratory, contributing to the development of sustainable microbial cell factories for lipid production.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Engineering Yarrowia lipolytica using synthetic biology and metabolic engineering approaches.
• Designing, constructing and characterising engineered yeast strains for lipid biosynthesis.
• Developing and optimising fermentation and bioprocess strategies.
• Analysing experimental data and presenting findings at group meetings and scientific conferences.
• Collaborating with researchers across the PROPEL consortium and contributing to project deliverables, publications and future grant applications.

• PhD (or equivalent) in Bioengineering, Biotechnology, Synthetic Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry or a related discipline.
• Experience in molecular biology, microbial engineering or metabolic engineering.
• Experience working with yeast or other microbial systems (desirable).
• Knowledge of synthetic biology, genome engineering or fermentation processes.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within an international research environment.

• Opportunity to work on research addressing sustainable food and biomanufacturing challenges
• A collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment
• 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.
• As a member of research staff you have 10 development days to use to develop your skills and explore your career prospects
• Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 41 days off a year and generous pension schemes).
• Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing.

This post is available immediately for up to 2 years in the first instance, with any extension subject to research funding.

For informal enquiries, please contact Naheed Khan – n.khan2@imperial.ac.uk