Research Associate in Biological Chemistry (Manchester Institute of Biotechnology)

‘A versatile biocatalytic platform for production of therapeutic sgRNAs’

A position is available for a Postdoctoral Research Associate with experience in directed evolution, biocatalysis, biochemistry or a related discipline. The aim of the research is to develop and optimize biocatalytic approaches to single guide RNAs (sgRNAs) that have applications in CRISPR based gene therapy.

CRISPR-based therapeutics are emerging as a promising new drug modality for the treatment of a range of disease areas including cancers, genetic disorders and viral infections. Here a single guide RNA (sgRNA) directs the CRISPR/Cas9 complex to the target gene which is subsequently edited. sgRNAs are currently produced using solid phase phosphoramidite chemistry involving iterative cycles of coupling, capping, oxidation and deprotection to achieve stepwise extension of RNA sequences immobilized on solid supports. Given that sgRNAs are typically 100-150 nucleotides long and impurities are introduced during each nucleotide extension, target sequences are produced in very low yields and require complex HPLC purifications. To synthesize sgRNAs in the high volumes and high purities needed for therapeutic applications, more efficient synthetic methods are required. The Lovelock group are interested in the development of biocatalytic strategies to produce long oligonucleotide sequences. This research involves process optimization, scale up and optimization of biocatalyst properties using directed evolution to make them suitable for pharmaceutical manufacturing processes.

This is a highly interdisciplinary project at the cutting edge of enzyme engineering and nucleic acid therapeutics research and the successful applicants will have full access to state-of-the-art facilities for reaction scale-up and high-throughput automated enzyme engineering, including liquid handling robots, colony pickers and a suite of high throughput analytical facilities. The successful candidates will have the opportunity to apply and further develop their expertise in both fundamental and translational science, which are highly relevant to a future career in the pharmaceutical and wider chemical industry.

Applicants should have, or are expect to attain a PhD or equivalent, in Biological Chemistry, Biochemistry or Biocatalysis, and have a thesis submitted prior to taking up the position. You should be capable of working under your own initiative but also collaborating with industrial and academic research partners, so excellent communication and organisational skills are required.

What you will get in return:

• Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
• Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
• Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
• Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
• Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers

The School of Chemistry is strongly committed to promoting equality and diversity, including the Athena SWAN Charter for gender equality in higher education. The School holds a Silver Award which recognises their good practice in relation to gender; including flexible working arrangements, family-friendly policies, and support to allow staff to achieve a good work-life balance. We particularly welcome applications from women for this post. Appointment will always be made on merit. For further information, please visit http://www.chemistry.manchester.ac.uk/about-us/athena-swan/

We positively welcome applications from women, who are currently under-represented at this grade. Appointment will be made on merit.

The University will actively foster a culture of inclusion and diversity and will seek to achieve true equality of opportunity for all members of its community.

Our University is positive about flexible working you can find out more here

Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.

Any recruitment enquiries from recruitment agencies should be directed to People.Recruitment@manchester.ac.uk.

Any CV’s submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Name: Sarah Lovelock

Email: sarah.lovelock@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries:

Email: People.recruitment@manchester.ac.uk

Technical support:

https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.

Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.