Research Associate/ Senior Research Associate in AI-Enabled Enzyme Engineering for PET Biorecycling
Overview
Newcastle University is offering a full-time, fixed-term position as a Research Associate or Senior Research Associate in AI-Enabled Enzyme Engineering for PET Biorecycling. This role operates within the Environmental Biotechnology Innovation Centre and ICOS, bringing together researchers to engineer microorganisms and create circular bioeconomy solutions. The successful candidate will manage the experimental delivery of an AI- and bioinformatics-augmented, high-throughput platform dedicated to discovering and engineering enzymes that depolymerise polyethylene terephthalate.
The work involves combining synthetic biology, enzyme engineering, and bioinformatics to improve PETase, MHETase, BHETase, and PET-binding modules. Responsibilities include establishing reproducible protocols, structured data capture, coordinating project delivery against milestones, publishing research, and helping translate the platform toward industrially credible PET valorisation. The position also requires travel within the United Kingdom and internationally for conferences and collaborator laboratory visits.
Requirements
Applicants for either level must hold a completed doctorate in a relevant discipline. Appointment at the Senior Research Associate level requires a stronger record of independent management, supervision, partnership working, translation, research development, and commercial or industrial experience.
What you get
The salary ranges from 37,369 to 51,258 British Pounds per annum, with the Research Associate level paying between 37,369 and 46,970 British Pounds per annum, and the Senior Research Associate level paying between 48,337 and 51,258 British Pounds per annum. The appointment is fixed-term for a period up to 31 March 2029.
How to apply
Candidates must upload a curriculum vitae and a letter of application outlining how their skills, experiences, and knowledge align with the person specification.
Key dates
The closing date for applications is 12 November 2026.
About Newcastle University
Newcastle University, officially the University of Newcastle upon Tyne, is a public research university in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. Its origins lie in the School of Medicine and Surgery, established in 1834, and it became an independent university in 1963 by Act of Parliament, having previously been part of the University of Durham. It is a founding member of the Russell Group and has overseas campuses in Singapore and Malaysia.
Source: Wikipedia
Links in this posting
- The RoleThe Environmental Biotechnology Innovation Centre (EBIC - https://ebicentre.co.uk/ ), of which ICOS (https://ico2s.org) is a member, brings together scientists from leading UK institutions in a mission to engineer the properties and functions of microorganisms, creating more effective ways to monitor the environment, remove pollutants and support a circular bioeconomy.
- The RoleThe Environmental Biotechnology Innovation Centre (EBIC - https://ebicentre.co.uk/ ), of which ICOS (https://ico2s.org) is a member, brings together scientists from leading UK institutions in a mission to engineer the properties and functions of microorganisms, creating more effective ways to monitor the environment, remove pollutants and support a circular bioeconomy.
- For an informal conversation about the opportunity, please contact Professor Natalio Krasnogor at Natalio.Krasnogor@newcastle.ac.uk.