Biocatalysis & Analytical Development Scientist

Imperagen is building an AI-powered enzyme engineering company focused on biocatalysis. Our ambition is to create a proprietary AI platform that connects computational design, experimental validation, and real-world commercial outcomes in a system that gets smarter over time.

We believe the future of biocatalysis will be shaped by autonomous closed-loop experimentation, where AI, software, and lab workflows work together to accelerate discovery, improve decision quality, and compound learning across programs.

The Role

We are hiring a biocatalysis and analytical development expert to join our team in Manchester. You will work closely within our multidisciplinary team delivering enzyme engineering programs and contributing to the development of our closed-loop enzyme technology platform.

Responsibilities

This is a laboratory-based role, where the primary task will be to use Imperagen’s closed-loop platform to engineer enzymes in commercial programs. You will have responsibility for maintaining the analytical equipment (HPLC, UPLC and LC-MS). Knowledge of biocatalysis and enzyme chemistry is also highly desirable. You will be required to:

• Establish and optimise analytical and screening methods using UV/Vis, fluorescence, HPLC, and MS.
• Provide expertise in analytical methodologies and techniques to the team, especially relative to high throughput assay development and maintenance of the equipment.
• Provide expertise in biocatalysis and biotransformations reactions to the team.
• Design and perform molecular biology experiments including PCR and site-directed mutagenesis.
• Express recombinant proteins (e.g. in E. coli) and carry out purification protocols.
• Develop and run enzyme screening and characterisation assays.
• Analyse, document, and communicate experimental data.
• Collaborate with computational scientists to integrate experimental and in silico workflows.
• Contribute to development of automated and scalable laboratory systems and processes.

Required Experience and Qualifications

• PhD in chemistry, biochemistry or a related field.
• Experience with enzyme assays and analytical techniques (HPLC, UPLC, LC-MS, GC preferred).
• Deep understanding of biocatalysis and biotransformation reaction chemistry.
• Strong understanding of enzyme engineering and directed evolution.
• Experience with microbial culture and recombinant protein expression.
• Proficiency in molecular biology techniques.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills.

Preferred Experience

• Postdoctoral or industry experience in enzyme engineering.
• Knowledge of enzyme mechanisms, kinetics, or structural biology.
• Experience with lab automation or high-throughput workflows.
• Familiarity with computational biology tools or data systems.

Eligibility to work in the UK

Candidates must have the legal right to work in the UK.

Please note that Imperagen is not able to provide visa or work permit sponsorship for this role.

Compensation

Imperagen offers a competitive salary plus equity.

Why Join Imperagen

This is a rare opportunity to build something foundational. You will join a skilled and motivated team, working on real-world systems where software, models, and experimental science come together.

Relevant candidates should reach out to us on: Biocatalysis_Analytical_Development@imperagen.com

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