Research Associate in Synthetic Genomics: The University of Manchester’s Manchester Institute of Biotechnology is seeking a Research Associate to join the Cai lab, focusing on cutting-edge synthetic biology and genomics. The role involves developing innovative yeast-based methods, designing automated workflows to engineer large synthetic DNA sequences, and contributing to the lab’s research pipeline.
Designation
Research Associate
Job Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Job Reference | SAE-028410 |
| Salary | Grade 6 £37,174 to £45,413 per annum (depending on relevant experience) |
| Faculty/Organisational Unit | Science and Engineering |
| Department/Division | Department of Chemistry |
| Employment Type | Fixed Term |
| Hours Per Week | Full-Time (1 FTE) |
| Location | Manchester Institute of Biotechnology |
| Contract Duration | May 2025 (or as soon as possible after) for 2 years, with a possibility of extension |
| Closing Date | 11/09/2025 |
Research Area
The position focuses on synthetic biology and genome engineering, with a strong emphasis on:
- Developing yeast-based methods for engineering large synthetic DNA sequences.
- Creating high-throughput automated workflows for DNA assembly and verification.
- Advancing the understanding of chromosome biology to enable complex synthetic genome assembly projects.
Location
Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, University of Manchester
Eligibility/Qualifications
Applicants should meet the following criteria:
- Expertise in DNA assembly and genome engineering.
- Strong understanding of chromosome biology.
- Prior experience in synthetic biology research is a plus.
- A PhD (or equivalent experience) in a relevant field, such as Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, or Synthetic Genomics.
Job Description
As a Research Associate, your primary duties will involve:
- Developing innovative yeast-based methods for synthetic DNA sequence engineering.
- Establishing and optimizing automated workflows for high-throughput DNA assembly and verification.
- Contributing to the lab’s research output by drafting publications, preparing grant applications, and developing scientific collaborations.
- Building internal and external research networks to facilitate collaboration and information exchange.
You will work closely with members of the Cai lab as well as senior technology leads to drive the lab’s broader scientific agenda.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should:
- Visit the University of Manchester’s official jobs page.
- Search for the job reference SAE-028410.
- Submit the required application materials before the deadline.
For further personal inquiries, you may contact:
- Professor Patrick Cai: yizhi.cai@manchester.ac.uk
For general support or technical queries regarding the application portal, email People.recruitment@manchester.ac.uk.
Applications submitted via recruitment agencies will not be considered.
What You’ll Receive in Return
- Pension Scheme: Market-leading provisions.
- Leave Entitlement: Generous annual leave entitlement, including bank holidays and paid closure over the Christmas holiday period.
- Access to employee health and wellbeing services, including an Employee Assistance Programme.
- Discounts: Local and national discounts at major retailers.
- Flexible working options and hybrid arrangements (where applicable).
Last Date to Apply
11/09/2025
Become part of an institution that celebrates diversity and inclusion while contributing to groundbreaking advances in synthetic genomics! Apply now!
