Research Associate - SynMPFs

We are seeking a curious and motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the Spinck Lab, led by Dr Martin Spinck at the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, The University of Manchester. The position is funded by the ERC Starting Grant project “Genetically Programmed Synthesis of Functionalized Metal-Peptide Frameworks” (SynMPFs).

Our group brings together synthetic biology, chemistry and materials science to create artificial biomaterials using living cells. The project aims to combine genetically encoded peptides and non-canonical building blocks to develop functional metal-peptide frameworks (MPFs), and to understand how their assembly and properties can be programmed and improved.

The role offers opportunities to develop independent research ideas within the program, collaborate across disciplines, publish research findings and contribute to the supervision and development of junior researchers.

You will be responsible for:

• Plan and carry out individual and collaborative research aligned with the objectives of the ERC project, taking responsibility for an agreed research strand.
• Develop, optimize and troubleshoot experimental methods appropriate to your area of expertise, and contribute new ideas and approaches to the program.
• Analyse and critically interpret experimental data, maintain accurate research records, and ensure that results are reproducible and clearly documented.
• Prepare manuscripts, scientific figures and presentations, and communicate findings to colleagues, collaborators and the wider research community.
• Work collaboratively across synthetic biology, chemistry and materials science, sharing methods and expertise within the team.

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:

• • Have, or be close to completing, a PhD (or equivalent) in synthetic biology, chemical biology, chemistry, biochemistry, materials science or a related discipline.
  • Strong research expertise in at least one area relevant to the project, together with practical experience in appropriate experimental methods.
  • Ability to formulate research questions, design experiments, evaluate complex data and troubleshoot technical problems.
  • Evidence of communicating research effectively through manuscripts, publications, presentations or other research outputs appropriate to career stage.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively, organize competing priorities, meet deadlines and maintain clear and accurate research records.

We value transferable skills and real-world experience as much as formal qualifications.

Our benefits include:
• 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: Martin Spinck

Email Address: martin.spinck@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