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.
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