Position for Research Fellow

Informal Queries

• For informal queries, please contact Professor Tim Bugg at t.d.bugg@warwick.ac.uk

This research fellow position is funded by a NSF-BBSRC CIRCLE Network, a network of research groups in USA, Canada, UK, Korea and Australia, working on new biotechnological solutions to sustainable chemicals production from plant biomass.

This position is available for 12 months starting from 1st July 2026, working in the research group of Prof T D H Bugg, in the Chemical Biology Research Cluster in the Department of Chemistry at University of Warwick. The project will involve screening of metagenomic libraries for new biocatalysts for lignin bioconversion, and enzymology studies on the new enzymes identified.

Applicants should have a PhD in Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Biological Chemistry or Microbiology, and should have a track record of publications in relevant scientific areas, and a track record of successful project completion.

The successful candidate must have research experience of working with enzymes, and experience in molecular genetics, including bacteria other than Escherichia coli (the microbe to be used is Pseudomonas putida KT2440), and experience of working with micro-organisms other than Escherichia coli. The applicant should have experience of carrying out biotransformations using enzymes and/or engineered microbes.

Experience in bio-analytical methods such as HPLC or LC-MS would be highly desirable. The applicant should be able to work independently, and to plan, execute and deliver new experimental ideas, using the research literature as needed. They should be able to write up and present their research clearly, to internal and external audiences, and they should interact positively with a research group, taking on responsibilities within the group.

They will report regularly on progress to Prof. Bugg, and attend regular meetings with project partner groups in the UK and overseas. You must be able to work without supervision, using good laboratory practice.

If you have not yet been awarded your PhD but are near submission or have recently submitted your PhD, any offers of employment will be made as Research Assistant on level 5 of the University grade structure (£34,610). Upon successful award of your PhD and evidence of this fact, you will be promoted to Research Fellow on the first point of the level 6 of the University grade structure (£35,608).

For details on the experience and skills required, please refer to the job description attached as a PDF below.

PhD Status

If you are near submission of your PhD, or have not yet had it conferred, any offers of employment will be made at Research Assistant level, at the highest spinal point of pay grade 5 (£34,610 per annum).

Upon receipt of evidence confirming the successful award of your PhD, you will be promoted to Research Fellow, at the lowest spinal point of grade 6 (£35,608 per annum).

The Department of Chemistry at Warwick is a thriving community of students, academics, researchers, and support staff.

Our fundamental research pushes boundaries in all major fields of Chemistry. Through collaborations with the wider science community and industry, our applied work aims to tackle huge global issues from antimicrobial resistance, to solar energy harvesting, and sustainable materials.

We provide an inclusive, vibrant and friendly environment where our students have dedicated support to explore their passion for chemistry.

Athena SWAN Silver Award

We are committed to supporting staff to achieve their potential. Both the Department of Chemistry and the University of Warwick hold Athena SWAN silver awards, a national initiative that recognises the advancement of gender equality, representation, progression, and success for all in academia. We provide a welcoming and inclusive working and learning environment, recognising that everyone is different in a variety of visible and non-visible ways, and that those differences are to be recognised, respected, and valued. We welcome applications from individuals who identify with any of the protected characteristics defined by the Equality Act 2010. We are supportive of staff with caring responsibilities.

We are a world-leading research-intensive university founded in 1965. We are ranked 106th in the world and 8th in the UK.* Additionally, 92% of our research is rated world-leading or internationally excellent.**

Find out more about us at warwick.ac.uk/about/.

* World University Ranking 2024, Guardian University Guide 2025

** Research Excellence Framework 2021

CLOSING DEADLINE: Wednesday 18th March 2026 at 11:55pm (UK Time)

To apply, please click “Apply” below and submit an application form by the closing deadline. You will be asked to include a CV and a cover letter.

Your CV should include:

• Your education and employment history (including your most recent employment).
• Any other relevant experience (e.g. volunteering, extracurricular, etc.).

Your cover letter should explain:

• Your motivations for applying to the role.
• Using examples, how you meet the essential and desirable criteria detailed in the job description (PDF attached below).

All essential criteria must be met by candidates who are invited to interview.

You are welcome to include details of any career breaks (e.g. parental leave, caring responsibilities, sick leave).

• Interview Date: To be confirmed
• Start Date: 1st August 2026

Please note application forms must be submitted before the stated deadline – you will not be able to submit after 23:55 (even if you opened the form earlier). Only applications submitted via our official careers portal (warwick-careers.tal.net) will be considered.

We provide a comprehensive range of benefits, including:

• An attractive pension scheme.
• 30 days holiday plus University Christmas closure.
• Generous parental/adoption leave policy.
• Onsite childcare facilities.
• Excellent learning and development opportunities.

We recognise the importance of a healthy work/life balance and offer access to flexible working arrangements. For more information, see here.

We are proud to be a Living Wage employer.

Equality, Diversity, & Inclusion

Warwick is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive and respectful community where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, cultures, and communities, and actively encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply.

Find out more about our Social Inclusion work at Warwick.

Find out more about our awards and accreditations.

We are also one of the six founder institutions of the EUTOPIA European University Alliance.

Safeguarding & DBS

The University of Warwick is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those we work with.

• Roles involving regulated activity are subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at the appropriate level, in line with the DBS Code of Practice.
• The University will ensure that anyone subject to a barring order does not undertake any work with the barred group (children and/or adults).
• All employees, volunteers, and partners are expected to share our commitment to safeguarding.

Rehabilitation of Ex-Offenders

The University will not discriminate against applicants who make a disclosure relating to a conviction.

Disclosures at application stage are only visible to the DBS team, not to hiring panels. This ensures fairness and removes bias from the shortlisting process.