Molecular Biologist (Biocatalysis)

OASIS Group; Craigavon; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Relocation assistance

Pension scheme

Wellness program

Employee discounts

Team events

Lunch & learns

Professional coaching

Death in service

Job summary

Almac Group in Craigavon is seeking a Molecular Biologist (Biocatalysis) to join the Biocatalysis team. The role focuses on developing yeast and bacterial expression systems for recombinant enzymes and supporting protein engineering for biocatalytic projects.

You will clone, express and analyse proteins, optimise strains, and contribute to screening, assay development and documentation. A PhD or equivalent industrial experience is required, with strong molecular biology skills.

Qualifications

• PhD in molecular biology, protein expression and manipulation, or closely related discipline.
• Alternative: significant industrial molecular biology experience with protein expression.
• Experience cloning, expression and mutagenesis of proteins.
• Practical lab techniques: PCR, cloning, DNA extraction, gel electrophoresis.
• Protein expression and analysis experience.
• Ability to plan research and communicate results clearly.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Cloning, expressing and analysing recombinant proteins
• Isolating, purifying and manipulating DNA for recombinant strain development
• Engineering peptides and enzymes using molecular biology and chemical technologies
• Supporting strain improvement programmes through effective screening and selection methods
• Characterising isolated strains to assess improvements
• Conducting biochemical, biophysical and chemical analysis of proteins and peptides
• Supporting biocatalytic screening activities for research programmes and business requirements
• Developing and implementing assays to support the genetic engineering of biocatalysts
• Preparing scientific reports, presentations, specifications and standard operating procedures
• Maintaining accurate laboratory records and ensuring equipment remains appropriately calibrated
• Keeping up to date with relevant scientific literature, laboratory techniques and emerging technologies
• Completing laboratory activities in accordance with agreed methods, quality requirements and health and safety procedures

Skills

Process Development

Biocatalysis

Custom and Flow Chemistry

Synthetic and organic chemistry

Technical leadership

Education

PhD in molecular biology or related discipline

Job description

Almac Group is a global leader in advancing human health. We provide a range of expert services across the drug development lifecycle to pharmaceutical and biotech companies, supporting them in finding treatments for patients.

Skills and attributes

• Process Development
• Biocatalysis
• Custom and Flow Chemistry
• Synthetic and organic chemistry
• Technical leadership

Description

Molecular Biologist (Biocatalysis)

Business Unit: Almac Sciences
Open To: Internal and External Applicants

Ref No.: HRJOB11904

Who we are

Almac Group is a global leader in advancing human health. We provide a range of expert services across the drug-development lifecycle to pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, supporting them in finding treatments for patients.

The Opportunity

Almac Sciences is recognised globally for its expertise in biocatalyst research, development and commercial supply. Our Biocatalysis teams provide a range of specialist services, including enzyme screening and biotransformation process development.

We are delighted to offer an exciting opportunity for a Molecular Biologist to join our team in Craigavon. This hands‑on laboratory role will support the development and delivery of innovative biological solutions for internal research programmes and external client projects.

You will carry out routine and advanced molecular biology activities to access proteins for use in biocatalytic applications. Working closely with scientific colleagues, you will clone, express and analyse recombinant proteins while providing specialist molecular biology support across research and development programmes.

A key area of focus will be the development and optimisation of yeast and bacterial expression systems for recombinant enzyme production. You will also contribute to strain improvement, protein and enzyme engineering, biocatalytic screening, assay development and the evaluation of new laboratory technologies.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Cloning, expressing and analysing recombinant proteins
• Isolating, purifying and manipulating DNA for recombinant strain development
• Engineering peptides and enzymes using molecular biology and chemical technologies
• Supporting strain improvement programmes through effective screening and selection methods
• Characterising isolated strains to assess improvements
• Conducting biochemical, biophysical and chemical analysis of proteins and peptides
• Supporting biocatalytic screening activities for research programmes and business requirements
• Developing and implementing assays to support the genetic engineering of biocatalysts
• Preparing scientific reports, presentations, specifications and standard operating procedures
• Maintaining accurate laboratory records and ensuring equipment remains appropriately calibrated
• Keeping up to date with relevant scientific literature, laboratory techniques and emerging technologies
• Completing laboratory activities in accordance with agreed methods, quality requirements and health and safety procedures

Joining Almac means becoming part of a fast‑paced, growing organisation within a highly regulated industry. We offer a supportive and collaborative working environment, with excellent opportunities for learning, development and long‑term career progression across the Almac Group.

Our approach is simple: we support, develop and reward our people, build fulfilling careers and together we advance human health. More information can be found on our Life at Almac page. Almac’s careers information also highlights its focus on employee wellbeing, development, training and recognition.

What you need to be successful

To be considered for this opportunity, you will hold, or be about to obtain, a PhD in molecular biology, protein expression and manipulation, or a closely related discipline.

Alternatively, you will have significant industrial experience in molecular biology and protein expression.

You will also have:

• Experience in the cloning, expression and mutagenesis of proteins
• Practical experience in relevant molecular biology techniques, such as polymerase chain reaction, DNA cloning, DNA extraction and gel electrophoresis
• Experience in protein expression and analysis
• The ability to prepare and implement research plans relating to molecular biology or biocatalysis
• The ability to prepare clear scientific reports, presentations or publications
• Effective verbal, written, presentational and interpersonal communication skills
• The ability to communicate scientific information clearly to a range of audiences
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint
• An understanding of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health requirements

Experience in some of the following areas would also be beneficial:

• High‑throughput cloning and expression analysis
• Random or site‑specific mutagenesis
• Aseptic culture techniques and cell growth
• Protein purification using immobilised metal affinity chromatography systems
• Enzyme kinetic assays
• Enzyme production or fermentation methods
• Biocatalysis or biotransformation processes
• The development of new biocatalytic products
• Preparing technical documents for peer review

Applicants must have eligibility to work in the UK with no restrictions or possess a valid work permit that will allow them to take up full‑time employment in the UK.

If you are an experienced molecular biologist who is motivated by innovative science and the opportunity to contribute to meaningful research and client projects, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Further information

For further information on the essential and desirable criteria required for this role, please review the job description attached to the online job posting.

A fantastic salary and benefits package is available, including an annual bonus, generous holiday allowance, a healthcare reimbursement scheme and a rewarding role where your work contributes to the advancement of human health.

Please note:

This is a laboratory-based position at our Craigavon site. The successful candidate may also be required to work at another Almac site when necessary.

Closing Date

We will no longer be accepting applications after 5pm on Sunday 11th October 2026.

• Paid Time-Off for Vacation and Sick Days
• Flexible Schedules
• Professional Development + Growth
• Free onsite tea/coffee
• EAP (Employee Assistance Programme)
• Staff Discounts
• Professional Coaching
• Team Bonding Events
• Opportunities for Advancement
• Attractive Compensation Package
• Work/Life Balance
• Relocation Assistance
• Wellness Programs
• Lunch & Learns
• Employee Recognition
• Employee Referral Bonus
• Rewards for Years Of Service
• Death in Service
• Pension Scheme

Almac Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer