Research Assistant/Research Associate (Fixed Term)

University of Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

The Open Bioeconomy Lab seeks a Research Associate for its EPSRC Prosperity Partnership project 'EngZyme'. The successful candidate will develop engineered proteins for sustainability through collaboration with leading scientists, leveraging expertise in protein engineering and lab automation. The position offers an opportunity to contribute to innovative research in carbon upcycling.

Qualifications

• PhD or pursuing a PhD in synthetic biology or related field required.
• Experience with protein engineering and cell-free systems is essential.
• Familiarity with lab automation and high throughput screening needed.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with scientists to develop engineered proteins for carbon upcycling.
• Combine improved enzymes with nanoparticle catalysts for efficient pathways.
• Work independently and as part of a team on laboratory projects.

Skills

Cell-free protein expression

Protein engineering

High throughput screening

Lab automation

Computational protein engineering

Problem-solving

Communication

Organisational skills

Education

PhD in synthetic biology or related field

Studying towards a PhD

Job description

The Open Bioeconomy Lab, headed by Dr Jenny Molloy (openbioeconomy.org), is seeking a Research Associate for "EngZyme: Engineered Enzymatic Catalysts for In-flow CO2 Upcycling", an EPSRC Prosperity Partnership in collaboration with Hitachi Europe Ltd, developing engineered proteins for carbon upcycling and sustainability.

The role holder will collaborate with computational and biological scientists at the Hitachi Cambridge Laboratory as well as Dr Ljiljana Fruk's team in the BioNano Group at Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology. Improved enzymes will be combined with nanoparticle catalysts and novel bioprocessing technologies to deliver efficient pathways for upcycling captured carbon into high value products.

The successful candidate will have a PhD, or be studying towards a PhD, in synthetic biology or a related field, and will have experience with cell-free protein expression systems, protein engineering, high throughput screening and lab automation. Extensive experience with recombinant protein expression and an interest in and familiarity with computational protein engineering approaches is essential. Hands-on experience in computational protein design and engineering is desirable.

The ability to work both as part of a team, and independently, coupled with excellent communication, organisational and problem-solving skills are essential to this role. More information on the role and person specification is available on the Further Particulars attached. For informal enquiries please contact Dr Jenny Molloy ( [e-mail] ).

Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD; those without a PhD will be appointed at Research Assistant level. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will be appointed at Research Assistant level, which will be amended to Research Associate once the PhD has been awarded.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 31 March 2028 in the first instance.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to Mr Vito Candela, HR Administrator, at [e-mail] .

Applications closing dates 15th of June 2025.

Please quote reference NQ46023 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
Further information

• Furthers Particulars