Opportunities by Category
Funding Opportunities: internal and external grant funding opportunities and other sources of funding.
Job Opportunities: a list of current and past postdoc, lecturer and senior academic roles as well as roles in Cambridge-based companies and other members of the SynBio SRI network.
Internships: placements outside of academia in industry, policy organisations and other environments.
Postgraduate studentships: PhD studentships, Masters courses and other postgraduate placement opportunities.
Undergraduate placement opportunities: if you are looking for a summer placement or Part II or Part III project, we can signpost to relevant synthetic biology labs based on your interests. Please email synbio@hermes.cam.ac.uk.
Opportunities with the SynBio SRI
If you are interested in biological engineering and particularly novel forms of IP, open source technologies, regulation of emerging biotechnologies, responsible research and innovation, public engagement and related topics then we have internal opportunities:
- Knowledge Transfer Internships: We are investigating open source approaches to biology, from promoting off-patent technologies to developing new legal tools for material transfers to reviewing potential business models. Internships could be practical e.g. building software solutions or research-driven via literature reviews, surveys and interviews.
- Policy Internships: Current policy foci include topics such as gene drive, de-extinction and conservation,sustainable agriculture and the circular economy. Internships in this area would typically involve developing briefing papers and planning policy fora with key individuals and organisations.
- Public Engagement Internships: We are developing low-cost protocols and open educational materials for use in schools and with adult groups. Interns would lead the development, documentation and design of public engagement activities.
We do not currently have funding for internships, but if you don't have your own source of funding (e.g. PIPS), we are happy to help seek and apply for funding with you.
All Opportunities
[Apply by 29 Sept 2019] Research Associate/Senior Chemist at Isomerase
Isomerase is an innovative, growing biotechnology company based at Chesterford Research Park near Cambridge, UK. It was founded in 2012 and has particular expertise in synthetic biology, bioengineering and the discovery and development of the next generation of microbial natural products and peptides.
[Apply by 29 Sept] Research associate in Biology at Isomerase
Isomerase is an innovative, growing biotechnology company based at Chesterford Research Park near Cambridge, UK. It was founded in 2012 and has particular expertise in synthetic biology, bioengineering and the discovery and development of the next generation of microbial natural products and peptide
Bioinformatician with LabGenius, London
LabGenius is looking for a Bioinformatician to play a critical role in building our cutting-edge platform to discover revolutionary medicines using machine learning.
[Apply by 21 Oct 2019] Assistant or Associate Professor of Plant Synthetic Biology at Cornell University
The School of Integrative Plant Science at Cornell University (https://sips.cals.cornell.edu) invites applications for a tenure track position at the Assistant or Associate Professor level in Plant Synthetic Biology. Plant Synthetic Biology is an emerging field that combines engineering principles with plant biology. Plant synthetic biology will play an important role in the future of agriculture for traditional crop improvement, in enabling synthesis of novel products of nutritional, pharmaceutical or other values, as well as in fundamental understanding of plant biological processes. The new faculty member will be expected to develop a strong, internationally recognized program in plant synthetic biology. Examples of relevant research topics include, but are not limited to: i) the engineering of genetic circuits to program predictable plant behavior and traits, ii) the generation of novel traits to improve crop plant productivity, iii) transforming plants, cyanobacteria, or algae into platforms that synthesize chemicals and complex biomolecules by reconfiguring existing biosynthetic pathways or incorporating newly designed pathways from other organisms, iv) engineering and introducing in planta biosensors for rapid detection and high-throughput phenotyping of biotic (e.g. viruses, bacteria, fungi, natural products) and abiotic (e.g. temperature, chemicals, toxins) factors from the sub-cellular to whole-organism scale.
Synthetic Organic Chemist with Evonetix, Cambridge, UK
Evonetix is a start-up company which is set to revolutionize de novo gene synthesis, as needed to facilitate the fast-growing and incredibly exciting field of synthetic biology. Our technology is based upon a novel silicon array, manufactured with semiconductor microfabrication techniques and capable of independent control of many thousands of miniaturized reaction sites, allowing massive parallelism of the DNA synthesis process
Synthetic Biologist for Nuclera DNA synthesis company in Cambridge
We are seeking a synthetic biologist highly experienced in DNA and gene assembly techniques, and optimization of biochemical processes. You will join the growing team developing our enzymatic DNA synthesis technology, based in the Cambridge Science Park. This role would suit a keen and enthusiastic, recently qualified PhD graduate who is energised by solving biological and biochemical problems, as well as an experienced researcher who is looking for challenges. To thrive in this role you should be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment, willing to take on responsibility, and excited to engage with the team to solve important challenges.
Research Fellow at University of Warwick
We are looking for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow (PDRA) to join our interdisciplinary team on an exciting collaborative project between the Soyer (UK) and Wenying (US) research groups and funded by the BBSRC and the NSF and will be looking to strengthen the team with another post to be hired next year. These two PDRAs will be responsible for establishing quantitative methods for measuring cellular microenvironment and metabolic excretions, and using the resulting data to develop a biophysical model of cellular metabolism. The two positions will be overlapped in this 4-year project, allowing transfer of skills and expertise. Both PDRAs will have a working understanding of systems and synthetic biology approaches, and should ideally have experience both in modelling and experimental methods.
[Apply by 5 Sept 2019] Research technician (Biochemistry) at University of Kent
Applications are invited for an independent, forward thinking research technician. You will be of a creative mind and motivated in your work as you undertake technical and research support. You will be expected to deliver the goals and milestones of the Wellcome Trust SEED project entitled ‘Characterisation of an alkaloid natural product family for novel antitumor agents’ ensuring the success of the project. The project will have a specific focus which will involve assembling large biosynthetic gene clusters using synthetic biology to recombinantly make the target natural product. This post is currently funded for two years, and is under the supervision of Dr Simon Moore, and will require you to work with other collaborating partners in academia.
[Apply by 9 Sept 2019] Research Associate/Fellow in Synthetic Biology at Nottingham University
Applications are invited to complete the synthetic biology element of a 2-year Innovate UK-funded position which runs to 30 June 2020, forming part of a £1.6M Innovate UK project, in collaboration with Lucite International and Ingenza. The aim is to develop a bio-manufacturing process for methyl methacrylate, the monomer used to manufacture Perspex and a wide range of other materials, using metabolically engineered microorganisms. The project builds on our successful development of metabolically engineered biocatalysts of methyl methacrylate precursors and seeks to develop and implement an innovative bioprocess with simplified product recovery. The project provides exciting career opportunities, to be amongst the first to move synthetic biology from the lab to the manufacturing plant.
[Apply by 15 Sept 2019] Synthetic and Microbial Biologist with Colorifix, Norwich
Colorifix is a startup bringing novel, sustainable and environmentally friendly processes to the textile dyeing industry to eliminate the use of hazardous chemicals, while saving on water and energy. Colorifix has been recognised by winning awards in both synthetic biology and fashion with our technology on public display in the Victoria and Albert museum’s Future of Fashion section of the Fashioned from Nature exhibition.
[Apply by 19 July 2019] Research Associate in Pharmaceutical Synthetic Biology at University of Nottingham
As part of the exciting new research area of astropharmacy, we are seeking to recruit a highly motivated and enthusiastic synthetic biologist for a Research Associate/Fellow post within the Division of Molecular Therapeutics and Formulation.
[Apply by 15 July 2019] Research Associate in Synthetic Biology to work with the SYNBIOCHEM Centre (Manchester)
The University of Manchester is seeking a skilled researcher with a PhD and postdoctoral experience (or equivalent) to work effectively across the SYNBIOCHEM platforms and the Centre’s multiple science programmes on microbial strain engineering. This position provides an opportunity to join the University of Manchester’s Synthetic Biology Research Centre SYNBIOCHEM: a Centre of Excellence for the Synthetic Biology of fine and speciality chemicals production that is harnessing synthetic biology approaches for next generation biotechnology. SYNBIOCHEM is generating state-of-the-art tools and expertise to drive academic discovery and translate new knowledge and processes towards industrial exploitation.
[Apply by 2 Sept 2019] The Cambridge-Africa ALBORADA Research Fund - 2019 Call for Applications
The Fund supports pairs of researchers (post-doctoral level and above) from the University of Cambridge (or an affiliated institution such as the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Babraham Institute and NIAB) and sub-Saharan African institutions, across all disciplines, to initiate and/or strengthen research collaborations.
[Apply by 25 June 2019] Facility Manager at Edinburgh Genome Foundry
Are you keen to develop you project and people management skills in one of the most fast moving areas of biomedical research: lab automation and synthetic biology? We are looking for a molecular biologist, with extensive project and people management skills, to drive forward an automated genome assembly platform – Edinburgh’s Genome Foundry.
[Apply by 3 July 2019] Wellcome Sanger Institute seeking Postdoctoral Fellow in Synthetic Genomics (Manchester)
A postdoctoral position is available at the Wellcome Sanger Institute (WSI) to advance research in human genome synthetic genomics. This position will be led by Prof. Patrick Yizhi Cai (University of Manchester, www.cailab.org) as part of the Institute’s new Synthetic Genomics Initiative working within the Institute’s Cancer section. The role will coordinate with ongoing research in cancer genomics, and new research in designing and implementing synthetic genomics methods for the human genome. This is an exciting opportunity for the successful candidate to develop and demonstrate state-of-the-art methods for using genome engineering and genomic synthesis to synthetically design, synthesize and characterize synthetic mitochondrial genomes. As the goal is focused on showcasing technology development, there will be substantial freedom for the postdoc to guide the research of the project.
[Apply by 8 July 2019] BBSRC funding for postdocs to build relationships with industry
The BBSRC Flexible Talent Mobility Account (FTMA) ‘Industry Introductions Fund’ provides early career researchers, working within the BBSRC remit, with up to £3,000 to make initial contacts with industry, with a view to forging longer-term relationships. The activities supported by this fund include: participation in conferences with a high proportion of industry delegates, attending industry-led events, such as trade fairs, and visiting a company (or multiple companies) to explore potential avenues for collaboration.
Start-up Evonetix in Cambridge seeking Synthetic Chemist
We are seeking highly innovative organic chemists with the experience and drive necessary to develop our ground-breaking new platform for DNA synthesis. As a member of the chemistry team, you will play a key role in the design and synthesis of the highly novel organic molecules required for the synthesis of DNA in a massively parallel fashion. You will also be involved in the development of the automated chemistry processes that will underpin our technology. These are very exciting roles at the cutting edge of biotechnology and synthetic biology. You will be working as part of a closely knit multidisciplinary team of engineers, physicists, surface chemists, software engineers and biologists, and so will possess a willingness to rapidly learn the new skills required to develop this radical new technology.
[Apply by 21 June 2019] Nuclera DNA synthesis company in Cambridge seeking synthetic biologist
We are seeking a synthetic biologist highly experienced in DNA and gene assembly techniques. You will join the growing team developing our enzymatic DNA synthesis technology, based in the Cambridge Science Park. This role would suit a keen and enthusiastic, recently qualified PhD graduate who is energised by solving biological and biochemical problems, as well as an experienced researcher who is looking for challenges. To thrive in this role you should be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment, willing to take on responsibility, and excited to engage with the team to solve important challenges.
[Apply by 20 May 2019] Forrest Foundation Post-Doctoral Fellowships
The Forrest Research Foundation attracts outstanding minds to Western Australia to undertake high quality research with the potential to change the world. Forrest Post-doctoral Fellows will reside in Forrest Hall and provide valuable mentoring to Forrest Scholars and provide leadership to the Forrest Research Foundation. They will carry out their research over a 3 year period to meet the requirements and expectations of their host university.
Opportunities for plant genetic engineers and bioinformaticians at Empyrean Therapeutics, Cambridge
Empyrean Therapeutics, headquartered at the Babraham research campus in Cambridge, is seeking to recruit a team of scientists to help establish and lead our crop genetic engineering efforts as part of a new endeavour. Our company’s core research involves developing novel cell therapies for the treatment of cancer and rare disease and the translation of these to the clinic. Our primary expertise is within the gene editing and engineering of immune cells to seek out and destroy tumour cells and we have extensive experience in developing new CRISPR and viral based approaches for immunotherapy.
[Apply by 2 May 2019] Postdoctoral Fellow in Synthetic Genomics at The Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton
A postdoctoral position is available at the Wellcome Sanger Institute to advance research in human genome synthetic genomics. This position will be led by Tom Ellis and David Adams as part of the Institute’s new Synthetic Genomics Initiative working within the Institute’s Cancer section. The role will coordinate with ongoing research in cancer genomics, and new research in designing and implementing synthetic genomics methods for the human genome. This is an exciting opportunity for the successful candidate to develop and demonstrate state-of-the-art methods for using genome engineering and genomic loci synthesis to synthetically probe the effects of mutation and rearrangement on a major cancer gene. As the goal is focused on showcasing technology development, there will be substantial freedom for the postdoc to guide the research of the project.
[Apply by 28 April 2019] Biomaker Challenge Africa Coordinator (May-July)
The Global Challenges Research Fund is supporting a pump-priming programme to take the Biomaker Challenge to centres in Africa. Biomaker is an interdisciplinary programme that brings together multiple teams to build low-cost sensor devices and instruments for biology (https://www.biomaker.org). The Biomaker Africa programme is co-organised by the Synthetic Biology Strategic Research Initiative, the BBSRC-EPSRC OpenPlant, Centre for Global Equality and OpenBioeconomy Lab in Cambridge. We are looking for a Challenge Coordinator for 12 weeks during May-Jul 2019 to take responsibility for coordinating participating teams and managing online communications and social media. This includes organising and publicising events and highlighting interesting projects online through writing and multimedia presentations, coordinating training and connecting teams who might be able to share knowledge and skills.
[Apply by 13 May 2019] Laboratory Research Technician in Prof. Jim Haseloff/OpenPlant Laboratory at the Department of Plant Sciences, Cambridge University
Applications are invited for the position of Laboratory Research Technician in the research group of Prof. Jim Haseloff at the OpenPlant Laboratory at the Department of Plant Sciences, Cambridge University. The group focuses on the development of technologies to establish Marchantia polymorpha as the model plant in Synthetic Biology, and protocols for working with this plant, such as transformation, production of spores and CRISPR mutagenesis, are well established.
[Accepting applications until filled] OpenCell in London seeks lab manager
OpenCell has established biotech labs in 70 shipping containers in Shepherd’s Bush London. This is a non-conventional way of providing ultra low-cost biotech labs for startups. OpenCell is managing and building more labs and need someone to join the team who wants to rethink how the lab is designed. This is a unique way to interact with early stage business and applied biotechnology. Consisting of a small team from diverse backgrounds, the OpenCell community is always looking for unusual solutions to difficult problems.
[Apply by 22 April 2019] EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in BioDesign Engineering recruiting 5 PhD students
The EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in BioDesign Engineering aims to train the next generation of leaders at the interface of biology, engineering and data science. The CDT will have an integrative training programme that covers experimentation, automation, coding, data science and entrepreneurship applied to the design, realisation and optimisation of novel biological systems for diverse applications. The CDT is being led by Imperial College with the University of Manchester and University College London as partners. All students will undertake the MRes in Systems and Synthetic Biology at Imperial College in their first year, with an extended project at the lead-supervisor institution, followed by a 3 year PhD registration in that host institution. Our aim is to build an inclusive cohort of students with diverse skillsets from life sciences, engineering and physical/computational backgrounds. We therefore encourage applications from students that reflect this diversity.
[Open until filled] Postdoc Synthetic Biology/Biochemistry at University of Minnesota
The Schmidt-Dannert Laboratory in the Department of Biochemistry and the BioTechnology Institute University of Minnesota (USA) has open postdoc positions for synthetic biologists/biochemist with a background in molecular biology, genetic/protein engineering or biochemistry. Postdoctoral positions may start immediately and will be for up to three years, following the successful completion of a one-year probationary period.
BBSRC Follow-on Fund Synthetic Biology Highlight [10 July - 9 Oct 2019]
BBSRC Follow-on Funding (FoF) supports the translation of research into practical application, including commercialisation. The aim of the programme is to help researchers maximise the societal and economic benefits of their research. The FoF is a proof-of-concept programme to support bioscience innovation and provide funding where further work on an idea will take it through to a stage at which the route to application is clear, which may include a spin-out, licensing opportunity or the creation of a social enterprise. The programme enables researchers to conduct activities essential to preparing a robust business plan and to secure, where appropriate, further funding and support to progress the project. The FoF aims to bridge the funding gap between BBSRC-funded research and the point at which other non-BBSRC funding becomes available. By supporting early-stage projects, it also seeks to reduce the risk for future investors. The FoF should not duplicate other sources of public and private funding.
[Apply by 30 April 2019] Development Engineer at Synoptics, Cambridge
Synoptics is a Cambridge-based company producing hardware and software for the life sciences sectors. We are looking for a bright and enthusiastic software developer to work on both new and existing software packages, working with various cameras and bespoke hardware. Our products are mainly written in C# (.Net 2.0 to .Net 3.5) utilising our range of .Net components (written in C++).
Two-year Wellcome Trust Junior Interdisciplinary Fellowship opportunity at the University of Cambridge (Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology)
We are seeking a posdoctoral chemist, chemical engineer or materials scientist who wishes to gain experience in the application of their research to solve problems in the basic biological and biomedical sciences. They will develop open technologies to increase access to biological research tools for scientists in low-resource contexts. The ideal candidate will have prior experience with hydrogels and nanocomposite materials.
[Open until position filled, priority to applications submitted before 4 April 2019] Programme Leader Track in the Division of Protein & Nucleic Acid Chemistry, MRC, Cambridge
The PNAC Division of the MRC LMB invites applications for a tenure-track Group Leader position. We seek an outstanding colleague whose work will complement current research themes in the Division, which include molecular mechanisms of infection and immunity, signalling, DNA repair and replication, synthetic biology, and chemical biology.
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