We are seeking a motivated and collaborative individual to join our team as a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Computational Enzyme Design. This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development of next-generation computational and experimental approaches for designing de novo enzymes capable of catalysing non-natural chemical transformations within a dynamic and inclusive environment.
You will be responsible for:
- Developing and applying computational approaches for the design of enzymes with new or improved catalytic activities.
- Designing, generating, and experimentally evaluating novel biocatalysts using computational enzyme-design methodologies.
- Performing protein expression, purification, and biochemical, biophysical, and structural characterization of designed enzymes.
- Collaborating closely with researchers in artificial intelligence, machine learning, protein engineering, and structural biology to develop integrated enzyme-design workflows.
- Publishing research findings, presenting results at scientific meetings, and contributing to the supervision of students and the development of future research directions.
We welcome candidates who bring diverse perspectives, experiences, and approaches to their work.
About You
We encourage applications from individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. You should demonstrate:
Essential Criteria:
- Hold, or expect to obtain shortly, a PhD in Biochemistry, Chemical Biology, Chemistry, or a closely related discipline.
- Strong understanding of enzyme catalysis, reaction mechanisms, protein structure-function relationships, and protein engineering principles.
- Experience using computational approaches to analyse, model, engineer, or optimise proteins and enzymes.
- Practical expertise in protein expression, purification, enzyme kinetics, and biochemical/biophysical characterization.
- Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively within an interdisciplinary research environment, with excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
Desirable Criteria:
- Experience applying computational methods to the design or optimisation of proteins and enzymes and experimentally evaluating the resulting designs.
- Proficiency in scientific programming and data analysis using Python and related scientific software tools.
- Experience with molecular modelling, molecular dynamics, quantum mechanical methods, or related computational approaches for studying protein structure, dynamics, and catalysis.
- Experience with protein structure prediction and generative protein-design tools such as AlphaFold, RFdiffusion, ProteinMPNN, LigandMPNN, Boltz-2, or related methods.
- Experience supervising students or junior researchers.
We value transferable skills and real-world experience as much as formal qualifications.
Our benefits include:
(Grades 6-9)
• Generous employer contribution pension
• 29 days annual leave plus bank holidays, along with Christmas closure
• Ride to work and EV car scheme available
For more information, please see University of Manchester Benefits. You can also find information on our Flexible and Hybrid working here.
We are an open place of enquiry and challenge. We embrace and celebrate difference, diversity and debate, and we pride ourselves on being a place of education, learning and community where we are able, within the law, to question and test received wisdom, express new ideas and explore controversial or unpopular topics and opinions. Find out more from our Freedom of Speech Policy.
Enquiries about the role, shortlisting and interviews
Name: Roberto Chica
Email Address: roberto.chica@manchester.ac.uk
General enquiries and administrative support
recruitmentservices.people@manchester.ac.uk
Technical and job portal support
https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home
Applications close at midnight on the closing date.
Further particulars (with person specification) linked below.
