Job Description
<h3>Research Associate - Chemistry, Synthetic Biology or Process Development</h3><p>Careers at Isomerase</p><p>Isomerase is an award-winning and world leading innovation partner based at Chesterford Research Park and Solopark near Cambridge, UK. Founded in 2012, we discover and develop next generation microbial natural products, biocatalytic proteins and peptides to promote sustainability and health. Isomerase leverages its decades of experience working with bacteria and fungi, combined with its knowledge, capabilities and innovations in biology, chemistry and process development, to enable our innovation partners to progress their products and processes toward commercialisation.</p><p>We are currently looking for excellent candidates able to work in a multidisciplinary team generating technologies and solving problems on the chemistry/biology interface.</p><p>Various Roles (chemistry, synthetic biology or process development) – Research Associate<br>As a key member of the scientific team in a thriving biotech company, you will play an important role in developing the next generation of microbially-derived products. You should possess, or will soon receive, a relevant science degree and have worked in a laboratory environment.</p><p>Chemistry<br>Your duties could include assay development, optimisation of biocatalytic processes, or target-focussed purification and assay-guided fractionation for the isolation of secondary metabolites from a variety of microbial sources.<br>A sound understanding of the fundamentals of organic chemistry is essential. Practical experience of analytical chemistry (especially HPLC and LCMS method development) and biocatalytic transformations would be advantageous.</p><p>Synthetic Biology<br>Your duties will include the design and completion of synthetic biology experiments in bacteria and fungi, and microbial fermentations and analysis of metabolite production.<br>Practical experience of microbial techniques (especially aseptic technique) and standard molecular/synthetic biology techniques are essential. Previous experience with bioinformatics or enzyme evolution would be advantageous.</p><p>Process Development<br>Your duties will include the completion of shaken flask, stirred tank bioreactor and downstream processing studies to optimise the generation of biomass and/or target biomolecules.<br>Practical experience of microbial techniques (especially aseptic technique) and standard USP/DSP techniques are essential. Previous experience with design of experiment (DoE) techniques or enzyme purification would be advantageous.</p><p>The ideal candidate will have core skills in one of the areas above and also possess limited skills in one of the other areas. Further they will be able to demonstrate a high aptitude for learning and assimilating new skills and concepts. The successful candidate(s) will possess excellent numeracy and IT skills. You will be adept at communicating your ideas and reporting your data and results with other scientists and will be an enthusiastic team member.</p><p> Application Instructions:</p><p>We offer a competitive salary and a highly stimulating working environment. If you are interested in working to shape the future of a young and dynamic company and believe you have the skills and enthusiasm required then please forward a CV with a cover letter explaining why you are suitable for the role to: hr@isomerase.co.uk . No recruitment agencies, please.</p><p>In order to comply with UK employment legislation, the successful candidate must have the right to work in the UK. You will be required to provide evidence of your right to work in the UK during the interview phase.</p>