At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct groundbreaking research in biocatalysis and chemical biology at the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology.
- Company: Join a leading research team within the Department of Chemistry, fostering innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Enjoy 29 days annual leave, generous pension contributions, and access to world-class facilities.
- Other info: Fixed term position for 24 months, with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cutting-edge research while collaborating with top academics and industry partners.
- Qualifications: PhD in Chemistry or related field, with strong research experience in biocatalysis.
The predicted salary is between 37694 - 46049 £ per year.
Job reference: SAE-031579
Salary: £37,694 - £46,049 per annum depending on experience
Faculty/Organisational Unit: Science and Engineering
Location: Manchester Institute of Biotechnology
Employment type: Fixed Term
Division/Team: Department of Chemistry
Hours Per Week: Full Time (1 FTE)
Closing date: 31/07/2026
Contract Duration: Fixed term for 24 months
School/Directorate: School of Natural Sciences
We are seeking a motivated and collaborative individual to join our team as a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Chemical Biology (Biocatalysis). This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting‑edge research within the Department of Chemistry, based at the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology (MIB). You will work as part of an interdisciplinary and inclusive research environment, collaborating with academic and industrial partners to deliver high‑quality research outputs. This post is funded for 24 months from 1 January 2027 and is part of the project "Unlocking Nucleoside and Glycoconjugate Chemical Biology using Biocatalysis" led by Professor Gavin Miller.
You will be responsible for:
- Designing and undertaking high‑quality research in biocatalysis and chemical biology
- Developing innovative experimental protocols for the synthesis of carbohydrate and nucleoside conjugates
- Managing research projects and ensuring timely delivery of outputs
- Disseminating research through publications, reports, presentations and conferences
- Collaborating effectively with academic colleagues, students and external partners, and supporting the training of others within the research group
About You
We encourage applications from individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. You should demonstrate:
Essential Criteria
- A PhD (or equivalent) in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Biology or a closely related discipline
- A strong research track record in biocatalysis or related areas, evidenced by publications
- Experience in molecular synthesis and characterisation and enzyme‑based or chemoenzymatic methods
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a research team
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Desirable Criteria
- Experience with protein engineering, microbiology techniques or multi‑step enzyme synthesis
- Experience working with academic–industry collaborations
- Evidence of presenting research at conferences or seminars
- Experience contributing to grant‑funded or interdisciplinary research projects
Our benefits include:
- Generous employer pension contribution
- 29 days annual leave plus bank holidays, along with Christmas closure
- Access to world‑class research facilities at the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology
Applicants must demonstrate the right to work in the UK. Applications close at midnight on the closing date.
Postdoctoral Research Associate in Chemical Biology (Biocatalysis) in Manchester employer: Economicsnetwork
The Manchester Institute of Biotechnology offers an exceptional work environment for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Chemical Biology, fostering collaboration and innovation within a diverse team. With access to world-class research facilities, generous annual leave, and a strong commitment to employee development, this role provides a unique opportunity to contribute to impactful research while enjoying a supportive and inclusive culture in the vibrant city of Manchester.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Research Associate in Chemical Biology (Biocatalysis) in Manchester
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in your field! Attend conferences, workshops, or even local meet-ups. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help land that dream job.
✨Show Off Your Skills
Don’t just wait for the interview to showcase your talents. Create a portfolio or a personal website where you can display your research, publications, and any cool projects you've worked on. We want to see your work shine!
✨Prepare for the Interview
Do your homework on the team and the project before the interview. We suggest you come armed with questions about their research and how you can contribute. It shows you’re genuinely interested and ready to dive in!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Make sure to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. We keep an eye on applications that come directly from there, so don’t miss out on this opportunity to join our awesome team!
We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Research Associate in Chemical Biology (Biocatalysis) in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in biocatalysis and chemical biology. We want to see how your background aligns with the exciting research we're doing at the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology!
Show Off Your Research Skills:Don’t hold back on showcasing your research track record! Include details about your publications and any innovative experimental protocols you've developed. This is your chance to shine, so let us know what you’ve achieved!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured documents that are easy to read. Make sure your communication skills come through in your writing!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Economicsnetwork
✨Know Your Research Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in your own research and the project you'll be working on. Brush up on biocatalysis and chemical biology concepts, and be ready to discuss how your past work aligns with the project 'Unlocking Nucleoside and Glycoconjugate Chemical Biology using Biocatalysis'.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
Since this role involves working with academic and industrial partners, prepare examples of past collaborations. Highlight how you’ve effectively communicated and worked within a team, as well as any experience you have in training others.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions about molecular synthesis, enzyme-based methods, and any relevant techniques you've used. Be ready to explain your approach to developing experimental protocols and managing research projects, as these are key responsibilities of the role.
✨Practice Your Presentation Skills
You’ll need to disseminate your research through publications and presentations. Prepare a brief overview of your research that you can present clearly and confidently. This will not only showcase your communication skills but also your ability to engage an audience.
