Job Description

UE07: 41,064.00 - 48,822.00 Per Annum.

School of Biological Sciences, College of Science & Engineering.

Institute of Quantitative Biology, Biochemistry and Biotechnology.

Full Time (35hrs per week).

Fixed Term (18 months).

The Opportunity:

A postdoctoral research position is available within the CIRCBIONET (Circular Bioeconomy through Engineering Biology Network for Speciality Chemicals) project as part of the Wallace Lab at the University of Edinburgh. The role will focus on engineering microbial systems to convert plastic waste into high-value chemicals, advancing sustainable, circular biomanufacturing for the speciality chemicals sector.


Working at the interface of engineering biology, metabolic pathway design, and waste valorisation, you will help develop integrated biotechnological routes that transform waste polymers into target molecules for the nutrition and healthcare industries, collaborating with leading researchers in the UK and Singapore to deliver next-generation sustainable chemical technologies.


This post is advertised as full-time (35 hours per week), however, we are open to considering part-time or flexible working patterns. We are also open to considering requests for hybrid working (on a non-contractual basis) that combines a mix of remote and regular on-campus working.

Your skills and attributes for success:

Experience in the design and engineering of de novo metabolic pathways in bacteria Experience in microbial fermentation process Experience in organic chemistry, chemical synthesis, or chemical biology Experience in the use of analytical chemistry techniques to quantify fermentation end-products

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Application Information

Please ensure you include the following documents in your application:


CV Cover letter

As a valued member of our team you can expect:

A competitive salary An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work. The opportunity to work at the forefront of sustainable manufacturing, contributing to transformative bio-upcycling technologies and collaborating directly with academic leaders, industry partners, and national scale-up facilities. To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community Comprehensive Staff Benefits, such as a generous holiday entitlement, competitive pension schemes, staff discounts, and family-friendly initiatives. Check out the full list on our

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Championing equality, diversity and inclusion

The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter and we are also Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions, actively promoting LGBT equality.


Prior to any employment commencing with the University you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on our

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Key dates to note

Unless stated otherwise the closing time for applications is 11:59pm GMT. If you are applying outside the UK the closing time on our adverts automatically adjusts to your browsers local time zone.


The University may be able to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role. This will depend on a number of factors specific to the successful applicant.