Postdoctoral Research Associate in Chemical Biology; Biocatalysis

Job reference: SAE-031579

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: 31/07/2026

Contract Duration: Fixed term for 24 months

School/Directorate: School of Natural Sciences

We are seeking a motivated and collaborative individual to join our team as a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Chemical Biology (Biocatalysis). This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting‑edge research within the Department of Chemistry, based at the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology (MIB). You will work as part of an interdisciplinary and inclusive research environment, collaborating with academic and industrial partners to deliver high‑quality research outputs.

This post is funded for 24 months from 1 January 2027 and is part of the project "Unlocking Nucleoside and Glycoconjugate Chemical Biology using Biocatalysis" led by Professor Gavin Miller
.

You will be responsible for:

• Designing and undertaking high‑quality research in biocatalysis and chemical biology
• Developing innovative experimental protocols for the synthesis of carbohydrate and nucleoside conjugates
• Managing research projects and ensuring timely delivery of outputs
• Disseminating research through publications, reports, presentations and conferences
• Collaborating effectively with academic colleagues, students and external partners, and supporting the training of others within the research group

We encourage applications from individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. You should demonstrate:

• A PhD (or equivalent) in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Biology or a closely related discipline
• A strong research track record in biocatalysis or related areas, evidenced by publications
• Experience in molecular synthesis and characterisation and enzyme‑based or chemoenzymatic methods
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a research team
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Experience with protein engineering, microbiology techniques or multi‑step enzyme synthesis
• Experience working with academic–industry collaborations
• Evidence of presenting research at conferences or seminars
• Experience contributing to grant‑funded or interdisciplinary research projects

• Generous employer pension contribution
• 29 days annual leave plus bank holidays, along with Christmas closure
• Access to world‑class research facilities at the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology

Applicants must demonstrate the right to work in the UK.

Applications close at midnight on the closing date.