"Senior Research Fellow"

The Senior Research Fellow will lead the development of structural and computational approaches to engineer antibody-modifying and antibody-degrading enzymes for applications in biology and therapeutics. Integrating structural biology, glycobiology, and protein design, the Fellow will create next-generation enzymatic tools for IgG glycoengineering and novel immunoglobulin-specific proteases. This research will underpin strategies to fine-tune antibody effector functions, develop therapeutics, and generate new reagents of broad scientific utility. The Fellow will provide intellectual leadership, foster collaborations with industry and clinical partners, and strengthen Southampton’s position in antibody glycoscience and biotherapeutic enzyme innovation.

About You

Knowledge, Experience and Qualifications

You should hold a PhD in structural biology, glycobiology, biochemistry, or a related field. Experience with X-ray crystallography, protein production and purification, cloning, mutagenesis, and protein design is required. You’ll need expertise in glycoscience, enzymology, or antibody biology, and experience in glycoengineering antibodies, effector functions, or antibody-degrading enzymes. Experience in Fc glycosylation, effector function studies, or therapeutic antibody development is beneficial. Knowledge of IP processes and translational research is also desirable.

Teamwork and Communication

You must be able to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams and communicate effectively with academic, clinical, and industrial partners. A proven record of mentoring junior researchers and a commitment to inclusivity are essential. Experience in building collaborations with industry or academic partners and communicating results to non-specialist or cross-sector audiences is advantageous.

Planning, Organisation and Resource Management

You should have experience managing multidisciplinary projects, with the ability to prioritise and meet deadlines. Skills in managing staff, students, and lab resources are required. Experience running multi-disciplinary research projects or lab pipelines is a plus.

Problem Solving and Initiative

You’ll need a proven ability to tackle scientific challenges with innovative solutions, including expertise in enzyme or antibody redesign. Evidence of initiative in new research directions and collaborations is important. Creativity in enzyme redesign for biomedical or biotechnological applications is desirable.

What We Can Offer You

As a university we aim to create an environment where everyone can thrive and are proactive in fostering a culture of inclusion, respect and equality of opportunity. We believe that we can only truly meet our objectives if we are reflective of society, so we are passionate about creating a working environment in which you are free to bring your whole self to work. With a generous holiday allowance as well as additional university closure days we are committed to supporting our staff and students and open to a flexible working approach.