Postdoctoral Research Associate in Chemical Biology / Biocatalysis

DURHAM UNIVERSITY; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious academic institution in the United Kingdom invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in chemical biology. The role emphasizes biocatalysis development within a multi-disciplinary team, collaborating with Johnson & J J to create innovative methodologies for drug discovery. The position is funded for 12 months, aiming for the successful candidate to start by 1st April 2026, contributing to significant advancements in synthetic methodologies and peptide-based therapeutics.

Qualifications

• Strong focus on biocatalysis.
• Experience in chemical biology.
• Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary research team.

Responsibilities

• Join a research team for developing biocatalysts.
• Collaborate with the industry partner Johnson & J J.
• Contribute to the advancement of the project.

Job description

Organisation/Company DURHAM UNIVERSITY Research Field Biological sciences Chemistry Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Established Researcher (R3) Country United Kingdom Application Deadline 19 Jan 2026 - 00:00 (UTC) Type of Contract Other Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer 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 & J J 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