Research Scientist - Microbial Bioengineering & Molecular Biology
Location: Cambridge, UK (on-site) • Position Type: Permanent Role
About Engivent
At Engivent, we believe the right science can change the trajectory of industries — and the planet. We combine automation, AI, microfluidics, and synthetic biology to tackle urgent challenges in sectors such as life sciences and agri-tech. Our mission-driven approach means we focus on work that can deliver measurable, lasting impact.
We are seeking an experienced Research Scientist to lead and expand our efforts in engineering and screening microorganisms for high-value traits. You will work at the interface of biology, engineering, and computation, driving projects from conception through to tangible outcomes. At Engivent, you will find an environment that moves fast but values scientific rigour, where you can shape the direction of your research, collaborate with world-class engineers and academics.
Role Overview
As a Research Scientist at Engivent, you will take scientific ownership of projects focused on discovering and optimising microorganisms with transformative potential for sustainable agriculture and beyond. You will design and execute high-throughput assays, guide diverse microbial species through microfluidic screening pipelines, and apply advanced molecular biology tools — from classic cloning to CRISPR — to engineer and evaluate promising strains.
Your work will integrate bioinformatics approaches for genome analysis, comparative genomics, and data-driven design, alongside lab automation workflows that scale experimentation and enhance reproducibility. This is a highly interdisciplinary role, where you will collaborate with engineers, data scientists, and product developers to turn complex biological questions into tangible solutions.
We are looking for scientists who want to push the boundaries of what’s possible — people who combine deep technical expertise with the curiosity to explore new methods, the creativity to solve unconventional problems, and the drive to see discoveries translated into real-world impact.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, run, and analyse high-throughput assays to quantify traits such as nutrient utilisation, metabolite production, or growth phenotypes across diverse microorganisms.
- Prepare and handle microbial cultures (including environmental isolates and engineered strains); optimise media, growth conditions, and sample logistics for microfluidic or automated workflows.
- Translate bench assays into microfluidic formats — collaborate with engineers to refine on-chip fluid handling, fluorescence/absorbance detection, and real-time data capture.
- Contribute to molecular-biology workflows (PCR, qPCR, plasmid construction, random mutagenesis, CRISPR exploratory work).
- Extract DNA/RNA from microbial cultures and perform library preparation for sequencing; carry out bioinformatic analyses (quality checks, read mapping, variant calling) to inform strain-development cycles.
- Document methods and results to publication or patent-ready standards; present findings in internal and external meetings.
- Champion lab-automation best practices — write or adapt liquid-handling-robot scripts to improve throughput and reproducibility.
- Maintain a safe, inclusive laboratory environment by following COSHH/GLP guidelines and training team members as needed.
Requirements
- PhD in Biological Sciences, Bioengineering, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, or a related discipline, or MSc with 2–4+ years of relevant industry research experience in microbial biotechnology or synthetic biology.
- Demonstrated track record of tackling complex scientific challenges — for example, leading independent research projects, publishing in peer-reviewed journals, or delivering innovations in an industrial R&D setting.
- Hands-on experience with microbial cell culture (e.g., bacteria, yeast, algae) and at least two of: molecular cloning, qPCR, high-throughput screening, or fluorescence/absorbance-based assays.
- Knowledge of directed evolution or adaptive laboratory evolution strategies.
- Proven ability to independently design experiments, troubleshoot protocols, and interpret data with a first-principles mindset.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills; comfortable working in small, fast-moving, interdisciplinary teams.
Bonus Skills and Experiences
- Proficiency with lab automation platforms (e.g., Opentrons, Tecan, Hamilton) and experience developing or optimising automated workflows.
- Strong computational skills, including data analysis in Python or R (e.g., pandas, matplotlib, tidyverse) and familiarity with version control (Git).
- Applied bioinformatics expertise — such as genome assembly, annotation, comparative genomics, or metagenomic analysis — including use of cloud-based workflows.
- Experience integrating microfluidics or single-cell analysis into experimental pipelines.
- Familiarity with regulatory and safety considerations around genetically modified microorganisms (GMMs) in the UK/EU.
- Track record of interdisciplinary collaboration, e.g., joint publications, cross-functional projects, or leadership in multi-partner research consortia.
- Exposure to diverse microbial systems (e.g., bacteria, yeast, microalgae) and an interest in exploring their applications in life sciences, agri-tech, or other high-impact industries.
Career‑Acceleration Opportunities
- Showcase your science worldwide. Present at conferences or visit partner labs abroad - travel is encouraged but never compulsory.
- Lead sooner, not later. Ownership is granted when you deliver results - run a mini‑team, pitch directly to the team, or steer a new work stream.
- Work at the crossroads of biology, automation & AI. Sit beside engineers and data scientists, join cross‑functional sprints, and broaden your skills beyond the wet lab.
- Turn ideas into IP. Spot a promising microbe or workflow? We’ll actively fund the experiments, generate PoC studies and explore commercial pathways with you.
Contact Information
To apply - or if you’d like more information - please email recruitment@engivent.com with your CV and a short cover note outlining why you’re excited about the role.
Engivent is an equal‑opportunity employer; we welcome candidates from all backgrounds and learning paths!
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