We are seeking motivated and collaborative individuals to join our team as Research Associates in PhotoBiocatalysis. These roles offer an exciting opportunity to contribute to a major interdisciplinary research programme within the Department of Chemistry and the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology (MIB). You will work in a dynamic and inclusive research environment as part of the £4M BBSRCfunded Strategic Longer and Larger (sLoLa) programme, Generalised Photocatalysis by Enzymes (GENPENZ).
Two fulltime, fixedterm postdoctoral positions are available for 12 months. The posts are based in Manchester and form part of a multicentre collaboration with the Universities of Manchester, Bristol and Edinburgh.
You will be responsible for:
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Driving the mechanistic and structural analysis of engineered photobiocatalysts
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Producing, purifying and characterising enzyme variants and designed proteins
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Designing and evaluating protein variants to understand photocatalytic function
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Developing and applying advanced biophysical platforms, including lightactivated and highthroughput mass spectrometry
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Disseminating research through highquality publications, reports and conference presentations
The Manchesterbased post holders will work closely with partner postdoctoral researchers focusing on datadriven modelling (Edinburgh) and de novo protein scaffold design (Bristol), contributing to an integrated DesignBuildEvaluateLearn discovery platform.
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 :
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A PhD (or close to completion) in analytical sciences, protein science, biophysics, enzymology, structural biology, protein engineering or protein design
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Experience in protein expression, purification and biochemical characterisation
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Strong analytical and dataanalysis skills, with confidence handling complex datasets
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Ability to plan, optimise and progress research independently while working collaboratively
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Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Desirable Criteria :
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Experience using mass spectrometry or timeresolved spectroscopy for protein analysis
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Experience with structural or biophysical characterisation of protein systems
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Experience contributing to interdisciplinary or collaborative research programmes
We value transferable skills, curiosity and a willingness to work across multiple biophysical platforms 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 worldclass facilities within 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 Nigel Scrutton / Professor Perdita Barran
Email Address: [email protected] / [email protected]
General enquiries and administrative support
[email protected]
Technical and job portal support
https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home
Applications close at midnight on the closing date.
Further particulars (with person specification) linked below.
