Postdoctoral Research Associate in Chemical Biology / Biocatalysis

Durham University; North East; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading academic institution in the UK is inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in chemical biology, focusing on biocatalysis. The candidate will join a dynamic research team under the guidance of Dr. Christian Schnepel, contributing to cutting-edge research on biocatalysts for drug discovery. The position is fixed-term for 12 months, and the successful applicant will work closely with an industry partner in Belgium. They are expected to be in post by April 2026.

Qualifications

• Strong focus on biocatalysis.
• Experience in the synthesis of fine chemicals and pharmaceuticals.
• Familiarity with bio-synthetic methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the development of novel biocatalysts.
• Collaborate with industry partners on drug discovery methods.
• Engage in the development and adaptation of research protocols.

Job description

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in chemical biology with a strong focus on biocatalysis. The associate will join a multi-disciplinary research team within the Schnepel group that focuses on the development of novel biocatalysts for the synthesis of fine chemicals, pharmaceuticals and bioconjugation chemistry. The research project led by Dr Christian Schnepel will involve the discovery, development and study of biocatalysts for the synthesis of peptide-based therapeutics. The successful applicant will be expected to work closely with the industry partner Johnson & Jone in Belgium to develop cutting-edge bio-synthetic methodologies for drug discovery and large-scale manufacturing.

This post is fixed term for 12 months. The MRC funding is available for this fixed period only.

The post-holder is employed to work on research/a research project which will be led by another colleague. Whilst this means that the post-holder will not be carrying out independent research in his/her own right, the expectation is that they will contribute to the advancement of the project, through the development of their own research ideas/adaptation and development of research protocols.

Successful applicants will, ideally, be in post by 1st April 2026.

Department contact for academic-related enquiries

Dr Christian Schnepel.