At a Glance
- Tasks: Engineer enzymes using AI-powered technology and collaborate on innovative biocatalysis projects.
- Company: Join Imperagen, a pioneering AI-driven enzyme engineering company in Manchester.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, equity options, and the chance to work on groundbreaking science.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for career growth in a dynamic, collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a skilled team shaping the future of biocatalysis with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: PhD in chemistry or biochemistry, with expertise in enzyme assays and analytical techniques.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
About Imperagen
Imperagen is building an AI-powered enzyme engineering company focused on biocatalysis. Our ambition is to create a proprietary AI platform that connects computational design, experimental validation, and real-world commercial outcomes in a system that gets smarter over time. We believe the future of biocatalysis will be shaped by autonomous closed-loop experimentation, where AI, software, and lab workflows work together to accelerate discovery, improve decision quality, and compound learning across programs.
The Role
We are hiring a biocatalysis and analytical development expert to join our team in Manchester. You will work closely within our multidisciplinary team delivering enzyme engineering programs and contributing to the development of our closed-loop enzyme technology platform.
Responsibilities
- This is a laboratory-based role, where the primary task will be to use Imperagen’s closed-loop platform to engineer enzymes in commercial programs.
- You will have responsibility for maintaining the analytical equipment (HPLC, UPLC and LC-MS).
- Knowledge of biocatalysis and enzyme chemistry is also highly desirable.
- Establish and optimise analytical and screening methods using UV/Vis, fluorescence, HPLC, and MS.
- Provide expertise in analytical methodologies and techniques to the team, especially relative to high throughput assay development and maintenance of the equipment.
- Provide expertise in biocatalysis and biotransformations reactions to the team.
- Design and perform molecular biology experiments including PCR and site-directed mutagenesis.
- Express recombinant proteins (e.g. in E. coli) and carry out purification protocols.
- Develop and run enzyme screening and characterisation assays.
- Analyse, document, and communicate experimental data.
- Collaborate with computational scientists to integrate experimental and in silico workflows.
- Contribute to development of automated and scalable laboratory systems and processes.
Required Experience and Qualifications
- PhD in chemistry, biochemistry or a related field.
- Experience with enzyme assays and analytical techniques (HPLC, UPLC, LC-MS, GC preferred).
- Deep understanding of biocatalysis and biotransformation reaction chemistry.
- Strong understanding of enzyme engineering and directed evolution.
- Experience with microbial culture and recombinant protein expression.
- Proficiency in molecular biology techniques.
- Strong teamwork and communication skills.
Preferred Experience
- Postdoctoral or industry experience in enzyme engineering.
- Knowledge of enzyme mechanisms, kinetics, or structural biology.
- Experience with lab automation or high-throughput workflows.
- Familiarity with computational biology tools or data systems.
Eligibility to work in the UK
- Candidates must have the legal right to work in the UK.
- Please note that Imperagen is not able to provide visa or work permit sponsorship for this role.
Compensation
Imperagen offers a competitive salary plus equity.
Why Join Imperagen
This is a rare opportunity to build something foundational. You will join a skilled and motivated team, working on real-world systems where software, models, and experimental science come together.
Closing date: Wednesday 13th May
Relevant candidates should reach out to us on: Biocatalysis_Analytical_Development@imperagen.com
Biocatalysis & Analytical Development Scientist employer: Imperagen
Contact Detail:
Imperagen Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Biocatalysis & Analytical Development Scientist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the biocatalysis field on LinkedIn or at industry events. We can’t stress enough how valuable personal connections can be in landing that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and practical skills. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to get comfortable discussing your experience with enzyme engineering and analytical techniques.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for biocatalysis! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let them know why you’re excited about the future of enzyme engineering and how you can contribute to their innovative projects.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Biocatalysis & Analytical Development Scientist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Biocatalysis & Analytical Development Scientist. Highlight your relevant experience with enzyme assays, analytical techniques, and any specific projects that showcase your skills in biocatalysis.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're passionate about biocatalysis and how your background aligns with our mission at Imperagen. Be sure to mention any specific experiences that relate to our closed-loop platform and teamwork.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to highlight your technical skills in molecular biology, HPLC, UPLC, and LC-MS. We want to see how you’ve applied these skills in previous roles, so include specific examples where possible.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Imperagen
✨Know Your Biocatalysis Basics
Make sure you brush up on your biocatalysis and enzyme chemistry knowledge. Be ready to discuss specific techniques like HPLC, UPLC, and LC-MS, as well as how they relate to the role. Showing that you understand these concepts will impress the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to talk about your experience with analytical methodologies and high-throughput assay development. Bring examples of past projects where you established or optimised methods, and be ready to explain your thought process and results.
✨Demonstrate Team Collaboration
Since this role involves working closely with a multidisciplinary team, think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with others. Highlight your communication skills and how you’ve contributed to team projects, especially in a lab setting.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Automation
Given the emphasis on automated and scalable laboratory systems, it’s a good idea to research any relevant lab automation tools or high-throughput workflows. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to developing these systems at Imperagen.