Senior Researcher

University of East Anglia; Norwich; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working options

Hybrid working

44 days annual leave

Job summary

University of East Anglia (UEA) in Norwich invites applications for a Senior Research Associate to join the School of Biological Sciences. The project focuses on methods for site-specific incorporation of non-canonical amino acids into bacterial S-layer proteins, enabling tunable pore structures for separations, catalysis, and photonics.

The role requires a PhD in a related field or submission by appointment, with proven independent research experience in molecular biology and biochemistry.

Qualifications

• PhD or submitted by appointment; field related.
• Experience in independent research in molecular biology and biochemistry.
• Proven expertise in protein expression in bacterial hosts.
• Protein purification and biochemical characterisation.
• Expression of proteins containing ncAAs and molecular cloning.

Skills

Independent research

Molecular biology

Biochemistry

Protein expression in bacteria

Protein purification

Molecular cloning

Education

PhD in Biochemistry / Molecular Biology / Chemistry / Biology

Job description

Salary on appointment will be £38,784 per annum with an annual increment up to £46,049 per annum.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Senior Research Associate to join the School of Biological Sciences.

You will contribute to an ambitious research programme focused on developing methods for the site-specific incorporation of non-canonical amino acids (ncAAs) into bacterial S-layer proteins.

S-layer proteins are remarkable self-assembling biomolecules that form highly ordered two-dimensional lattices with tunable pore structures. These materials have significant potential applications in molecular separations, catalysis, and advanced photonic technologies. The project is supported by a prestigious multi-institutional grant funded by the Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA) and involves collaboration with leading researchers across several UK and international institutions.

You will hold a PhD in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Biology, or a closely related discipline (or have submitted your PhD thesis by the time of appointment). You should possess previous experience of independent research in molecular biology and biochemistry.

Given the ambitious timescales of the project, demonstrated expertise in expression of proteins in bacterial hosts, protein purification and biochemical characterisation, expression of proteins containing ncAAs, and molecular cloning is essential.

You will have excellent analytical, organisational, and problem-solving skills, together with strong interpersonal and communication abilities. You will be expected to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary research team. As the project involves close collaboration with partner institutions, you will participate in weekly online meetings with principal investigators and research staff across the consortium, presenting progress updates and contributing to project discussions.

At UEA, the project will be supervised by Prof. Julea Butt and Dr. Amit Sachdeva.

This full-time post is available from 23 November 2026 on a fixed term basis for 18 months.

UEA offers a variety of flexible working options and although this role is advertised on a full-time basis, we encourage applications from individuals who would prefer a flexible working pattern including annualised hours, compressed working hours, part time, job share, term-time only and/or hybrid working. Details of preferred hours should be stated in the personal statement and will be discussed further at interview.

Further information on our great benefits package, including 44 days annual leave inclusive of Bank Holidays and additional University Customary days (pro rata for part-time), can be found on our benefits page.

The University holds an Athena Swan Silver Institutional Award in recognition of our advancement towards gender equality.