Research Associate/Fellow (Fixed term)

We are delighted to welcome applications for two Research Associates/Fellows to join us at the Nottingham Engineering Biology Labs, working on a project to scale up our capabilities in synthetic biology by achieving modular assembly of synthetic chromosomes.

This is an exceptional opportunity to do exciting, high-impact research that will develop large-scale DNA assembly of eukaryotic chromosomes from reusable parts. This will enable us to address the challenges of building larger and ever more complex synthetic genomes, ultimately for any organism including even human cells, whilst probing the fundamental genetic basis of key biological processes.

About the roles

The two Research Associates/Fellows will work on research led by Dr Benjamin Blount and Prof John Heap, using Engineering Biology, Synthetic Genomics and Combinatorics approaches to design and produce genome “parts” that will then be assembled, using a variety of enzymatic and yeast in vivo techniques, into eukaryotic chromosomes.

These posts build on established strengths in our labs and involve collaboration with our existing teams and our wider international collaborative network. The successful candidates will be part of a team with real capacity to deliver on ambitious objectives leading to excellent outputs and impacts.

About us

We are housed in the Biodiscovery Institute, the University of Nottingham’s flagship 800-researcher research complex on the leafy University Park campus. This very well-equipped and well-resourced facility is the perfect home for our research cluster.

Our Nottingham Engineering Biology Labs research cluster is a friendly, welcoming, inclusive and supportive research environment, with a great positive culture. Our members engage with furthering equality, diversity, and inclusion through our activities both within Nottingham and nationally. We are proud that both the University of Nottingham and our home School of Life Sciences hold Athena Swan Gold awards for advancing gender equality.

The advertised posts are full-time (36.25 Hours) roles, available on a fixed term basis for 2 years, if start date is delayed the post must end on 5th January 2027. Arrangements for job shares may be considered.

Requests for secondment from internal candidates may be considered on the basis that prior agreement has been sought from both your current line manager and the manager of your substantive post, if you are already undertaking a secondment role.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Dr Benjamin Blount benjamin.blount@nottingham.ac.uk. Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.

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