Research Associate in Synthetic Genomics

Job reference: SAE-028410

Salary: Grade 6 £37,174 to £45,413 per annum, depending on relevant experience

Faculty/Organisational Unit: Science and Engineering

Location: Manchester Institute of Biotechnology

Employment type: Fixed term

Division/Team: Department of Chemistry

Hours per week: 1 FTE

Closing date (DD/MM/YYYY): 30/06/2025

Contract duration: May 2025 (or as soon as possible after) for 2 years with the possibility to extend

School/Directorate: School of Natural Sciences

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Overall purpose of the position

As a member of the Cai lab, you will be responsible for undertaking cutting-edge synthetic biology research projects. You will work on multiple synthetic biology projects working closely with members from the Cai lab. You will also work closely with the other senior technology leads to ensure the timely and appropriate flow of data and protocols across the platforms to drive forward the lab’s scientific vision.

Key responsibilities, accountabilities or duties

It is essential that the research associate has extensive skill and experience and knowledge in DNA assembly and genome engineering. A good understanding of chromosome biology will also be required.

As the research associate you will:

Develop innovative yeast-based methods to design and engineer large synthetic DNA sequences.

Develop novel automated workflows to engineer and verify large synthetic DNA at high-throughput.

You will be expected to contribute to research publications, further grant applications and to develop collaborations to ensure the sustainable future of the lab.

Build internal and external contacts and participate in internal/external networks for the exchange of information and to form relationships for future collaboration.

What can you expect in return

The University will actively foster a culture of inclusion and diversity and will seek to achieve true equality of opportunity for all members of its community.

What you will get in return:

Fantastic market leading pension scheme

Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme

Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays

Additional paid closure over the Christmas period

Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers

As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.

Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here

Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from recruitment agencies.

Any CVs submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Name: Professor Patrick Cai

Email: yizhi.cai@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries:

Email: People.recruitment@manchester.ac.uk

Technical support:

https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.