Research Associate

Salary range £37,999- £46,485

Fixed term for 12 months (possibility of extension up to 24 months)

The Opportunity

This role offers an exciting opportunity for someone ambitious to join the Chemical and Physical Sciences team in the Faculty of Natural Sciences. We have an open position for a research associate in nucleoside chemical biology. Furthermore, the successful candidate will work within the Keele Centre for Glycoscience (https://www.keele.ac.uk/glycoscienceresearch/).

A postdoctoral research associate position is available within the group of Prof. Gavin J. Miller (https://millerresearchgroup.co.uk), to carry out research on a project funded by the Medical Research Council (MRC). This innovative project, in oligonucleotides and biocatalysis, will involve contributing to the synthesis of nucleoside and nucleotide analogues. The project is a collaborative venture with Prof. Nick Turner and Dr Sarah Lovelock (University of Manchester) to explore the Biocatalytic Manufacturing of Nucleic Acid Therapeutics.  

Applicants should have a PhD (or have submitted their thesis) in chemical biology, biocatalysis or biochemistry. Experience with multi-step/pot enzyme-based synthesis routes and microbiology techniques is highly desirable. We seek applications from experienced researchers with a proven track record in the above areas. Applicants must have excellent communication skills, an ability to work independently, and have an organised approach to the management of their research. You must also be willing to work across a multidisciplinary project and team, with attendance and presentation at project meetings involving collaborators expected. 

The successful candidate may also be expected to undertake research secondments as an essential component of the program. The role will involve supervision of PhD and Masters-level students. If you're passionate about collaborative research and contributing to the development of Glycoscience at Keele, we encourage you to apply. 

The Benefits

The University values its talented staff and offers a competitive benefits package, including:

• Competitive pay with annual increments
• Generous leave and options to buy additional days
• Excellent staff pension scheme
• Ongoing personal and professional development
• On-site “outstanding” nursery
• Discounted on-site health & fitness facilities

The starting salary will typically be at the bottom of the pay scale shown above

The University is committed to operating flexible working practices wherever possible. 

The University

Keele University is renowned for its exciting approach to higher education, innovative research, beautiful campus, strong community spirit and excellent student experience. With a turnover in excess of £170 million, over 12,500 students and a total staff of approximately 2000, the University provides high quality teaching across a wide range of academic and vocational subjects and promotes world-class research.  Further information can be found at https://www.keele.ac.uk/about/

Keele University values equality and diversity across our workforce and to ensuring our staff community is reflective of the diversity of our student population. In support of these commitments the University welcomes applications from individuals of Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds for all roles.

This appointment is subject to medical clearance by the University’s Occupational Health provider.

How to Apply

To apply online for this vacancy and for full post details and copies of job descriptions, please click on the 'Apply' button above. 

Keele University employees wishing to apply should login to Employee Self Service and click on the 'View current vacancies' link. 

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Professor Gavin J. Miller (g.j.miller@keele.ac.uk) and include a CV.

Formal applications to this address will not be accepted. 

Closing Date: 2^nd February 2025

Interviews will be held on: 14^th February 2025

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