Research Scientist - Biocatalysis

JR United Kingdom; Reading; On-site; Full time

Job summary

A global agrochemical company is seeking a Research Scientist in Biocatalysis for a 12-month contract based in Reading, UK. The successful candidate will be involved in establishing workflows for sustainable production of small active ingredient molecules. Key responsibilities include biocatalytic process development and collaboration across multiple scientific disciplines.

Qualifications

• Background in biocatalysis (enzymes/microorganisms).
• Experience in biocatalytic retrosynthesis and transformations.
• Excellent organisational skills with a track record in scientific research.

Responsibilities

• Application and development of biocatalysis for industrial chemical transformations.
• Reaction monitoring and development of assays.
• Collaborate across scientific disciplines.

Skills

Biocatalysis

Organic Synthesis

Enzyme Evolution

Quantitative Chemical Reaction Analysis

Problem Solving

Teamwork

Communication

Education

PhD in Biocatalysis or related discipline

Tools

UPLC

LC/MS

Job description

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Research Scientist - Biocatalysis, reading

Client: SRG

Location: Reading, United Kingdom

Job Category: Other

EU work permit required: Yes

Job Views: 4

Posted: 31.05.2025

Expiry Date: 15.07.2025

Job Description:

Job Title: Research Scientist (Biocatalysis) – Global Agrochemical Company

Contract: 12 months (potential to be extended)

Salary: £20.18 per hour

An exciting opportunity to establish workflows for the development of biocatalytic processes for sustainable, small active ingredient molecule production.

We are looking for candidates with a background in biocatalysis (enzymes and/or microorganisms) applied to the identification and optimisation of chemical transformations. This individual should be entrepreneurial and highly collaborative, involving cross-functional working and partnerships.

The role offers the successful candidate experience working within an industrial environment, with opportunities to grow platforms and shape workflows for biocatalytic process development applied to chemical manufacturing.

Job Responsibilities:

• Application and development of biocatalysis for chemical transformations within an industrial environment.
• Reaction monitoring, including the development of appropriate assays (e.g., UPLC, LC/MS) to detect hits, intermediates, and products.
• Understanding of biocatalytic reactions, mechanisms, and kinetic behaviours. Awareness of enzyme evolution, preparation, and scale-up is desired.
• Quantitative and creative approach to scientific problem solving.
• Ability to collaborate and develop strong networks across scientific disciplines.
• PhD in biocatalysis or a related discipline.
• Experience in biocatalytic retrosynthesis and developing biocatalytic transformations, with an understanding of enzyme evolution, synthesis, and utilisation.
• Proficiency in organic synthesis and quantitative chemical reaction analysis.
• Excellent communication skills to engage across scientific disciplines.
• Good teamworking skills, organised, with a track record of delivering scientific research.