"Research and Innovation Associate"

Role Description

Department

Research and Innovation Associate in the Lichman Lab, Centre for Novel Agricultural Products, Department of Biology

Role

A full-time two-year post-doctoral research and innovation associate position is available in biotechnology/ biochemical engineering/synthetic biology. The role will involve the engineering of plant-derived enzymes and enzyme cascades for the biocatalytic or synthetic biology formation of commercially valuable compounds. The position is based in the laboratory of Dr Benjamin Lichman, a UKRI Future Leader Fellow at the Centre for Novel Agricultural Products. The Lichman lab take a multidisciplinary approach to understand and engineer plant natural product biosynthesis.

The post is funded by a BBSRC Follow-on-Fund which supports the translation of fundamental research into practical application, including commercialisation. Therefore, we are looking for researchers with entrepreneurial and commercial interests, with a desire to generate bio-based systems for the controlled production of valuable chemicals. This role will involve working as part of a team that will include a research technician able to support plant biotechnology aspects of the project, as well as a commercial partner with an interest in scaling-up the process.

This role is available to commence from January 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter.

Skills, Experience & Qualification needed

You should have a PhD in biotechnology/biochemical engineering/synthetic biology/biocatalysis or a similar subject.

Expertise with recombinant protein production/purification and enzyme biochemistry is essential, and experience with synthetic biology, enzyme engineering or reaction scale-up is desirable.

Excellent communication skills are essential.

You should have a commitment to personal development, a collaborative ethos, and an enthusiasm for research, innovation and commercialisation related to biocatalysis, natural products and synthetic biology.

Interview date: To be confirmed

For informal enquiries: Informal enquiries can be made to Dr Benjamin Lichman, benjamin.lichman@york.ac.uk or for an alternative contact, please email biol-dmthub@york.ac.uk

The University strives to be diverse and inclusive – a place where we can ALL be ourselves.

We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented at the University.

We offer family friendly, flexible working arrangements, with forums and inclusive facilities to support our staff. [#EqualityatYork]