Postdoctoral Research Associate in Antibody Engineering and Directed Evolution

Job description

About the role

Do you want to combine high-throughput directed evolution with machine-learning analysis of deep sequencing data to engineer better antibodies? The Sormanni Lab in the Department of Chemical Engineering is looking for a motivated and talented Postdoctoral Research Associate in Antibody Engineering and Directed Evolution to advance its antibody-engineering platform.

Sitting at the interface between computational design and in vitro experiments, the team has developed multiple in silico and in vitro methods to design novel antibodies and nanobodies as diagnostic or therapeutic agents and research tools.

What you would be doing

In this role, you will mainly focus on strengthening our experimental pipeline: integrating in vitro high-throughput directed evolution techniques, including yeast and ribosome display, with deep sequencing and data-driven analysis. The ultimate goal will be to better comprehend the link between developability, affinity and functionality.

You will build and screen antibody and nanobody libraries, plan and run selection campaigns, and analyse the resulting sequencing data to relate molecular features to measured properties. Your measurements will feed directly into the computational models developed in the group, and you will help decide which predictions to test next.

You will have the opportunity to collaborate closely with group members and external labs, to publish in high-quality journals and present your findings at national and international meetings, and to contribute to the supervision of PhD and Masters students.

What we are looking for

• A PhD in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Bioengineering or a related discipline, with a focus on protein engineering.
• Practical experience in molecular biology and in vitro directed evolution, for example yeast or ribosome display.
• Practical experience in deep sequencing and the associated data analysis.
• Knowledge of protein science and structural bioinformatics, including the ability to manipulate protein sequences and structural data.
• Collaborative teamwork skills and the ability to communicate complex scientific ideas clearly and concisely.

What we can offer you

• Work at the interface of experiment and computation, in a group that designs antibodies and nanobodies in silico and tests them in house, with established academic and industrial collaborations.
• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity.
• Grow your career: gain access to Imperial's sector-leading dedicated career support for researchers as well as opportunities for promotion and progression.
• As a member of research staff you have 10 development days to use to develop your skills and explore your career prospects.
• Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 43 days off a year and generous pension schemes).
• Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing .

*Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as Research Assistant within the salary range £45,399-£48,876 per annum.

Further information

This is a full-time post (35 hours per week).

This role is for a fixed-term contract for 12 months.

Please note that the University may not be able to apply for a Certificate of Sponsorship for this post. Any candidate who is considering applying for this position and requires sponsorship must ensure that they are able to obtain permission to work in the UK through an appropriate immigration route.

To apply, please click the "Apply now" button at the top of the page. You will find this vacancy by searching either the position title or job number: ENG04024. Candidates will need to complete an online application.

Further information about the post is available in the job description.

If you require any further details about the role, please contact: Dr Pietro Sormanni - [email protected] .

Closing date: Midnight on Sunday 13th September 2026.

Please note that job descriptions are not exhaustive, and you may be asked to take on additional duties that align with the key responsibilities mentioned above.

If you experience any technical issues while applying online, please don't hesitate to email us at [email protected] . We're here to help.