Molecular Engineering

Study microbes confined within synthetic hydrogels in the Engineered Living Materials programme led by Aránzazu del Campo. Combine imaging, microfluidics and molecular biology to understand microbial behaviour under dynamic environmental conditions, collaborating across materials science and synthetic biology. Responsibilities include student supervision and digital research practices. The appointment is initially two years at EG13 TV-L, with hybrid working; part-time arrangements are possible. Applications close on 15 October 2026.

Develop synthetic cells for sustainable biomanufacturing in Wilhelm Huck’s group and the European Propel consortium. The work combines liquid-handling robots, microscopy and active learning to optimise liposomes and cell-free protein production, ultimately converting waste streams into useful biomaterials. These full-time appointments initially last one year, with potential extensions of one or two years. Gross monthly salary is EUR 3,706–5,760 according to experience. Apply online by 15 October 2026; recruitment may close earlier when suitable candidates are found. The preferred start is 1 November 2026.

Innovate UK supports pilot-scale development and validation of laboratory-proven engineering biology innovations. Projects must include access to UK scale-up facilities and address health, food and agriculture, chemicals and materials, low-carbon fuels, waste and environment, or enabling technologies. UK SMEs must lead; eligible partners include universities and research organisations. Total project costs must be GBP 200,000–750,000, with projects lasting up to 24 months. These are project-cost limits, not grant-award amounts. The competition opened on 7 September and closes on 21 October 2026 at 11:00 UK time.

A postdoctoral position at the Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering develops synthetic-biology approaches to human-cell therapies. Work combines molecular engineering, biosensing and gene circuits to monitor cellular states, regulate therapeutic proteins and produce programmable implant prototypes. Projects connect basic cell biology with translational work on cancer and metabolic, neurological, autoimmune and infectious diseases. The group seeks strong mammalian-cell engineering skills and a substantial publication record. Apply online with a CV, publication list, motivation letter, three recommendation letters and a one-page research plan. No closing date is advertised. This is a separate postdoctoral vacancy from the group’s doctoral opening.

Doctoral research at the Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering will engineer human cells for therapeutic applications using synthetic biology. Projects connect gene circuits, biosensors and molecular engineering to control therapeutic proteins and develop programmable cellular implants. The research addresses cancer and metabolic, neurological, autoimmune and infectious diseases, with experimental and clinical collaboration. Applicants should be skilled in molecular and cell biology, including mammalian cell culture and engineering. Apply through the online portal with a CV, complete transcripts, publications, motivation letter, two recommendation letters and a one-page research plan. No closing date is advertised.

E11 Bio is recruiting an experimental scientist to advance scalable mammalian brain connectomics. The role integrates tissue preparation, microscopy, quantitative analysis, and molecular engineering across reagent panels for comprehensive synapse identification and barcode-epitope readout.