Cranfield University
Research Scientist in AI-Driven Enzyme Engineering (KTP Associate)
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Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Environmental Sustainability
Research Scientist in AI-Driven Enzyme Engineering (KTP Associate)
Fixed Term Contract for 30 months
£36,000 to £45,000 per annum, dependent upon qualifications and experience (37.5 hours per week), plus £2,000 per annum personal development budget
Location: Inspiralis Ltd, Innovation Centre, Norwich Research Park, Colney Lane, Norwich, Norfolk, NR4 7GJ
We welcome applications from ambitious and innovative scientists to help develop next-generation biotechnology solutions for tackling PFAS pollution through artificial intelligence-assisted enzyme engineering.
An exciting opportunity to work as a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Associate has arisen as part of a collaboration project between Inspiralis Ltd and Cranfield University. The project will focus on developing an AI-assisted enzyme engineering platform for the design, production and validation of enzymes capable of degrading per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as ‘forever chemicals’.
About the Role
Your role will lead the development of an AI-assisted enzyme engineering approach capable of designing and manufacturing tailored enzymes that can effectively break down PFAS pollutants, protect drinking water supplies, reduce environmental pollution, and support more sustainable and cost-effective remediation solutions.
You will work between Inspiralis Ltd and the UKRI-sponsored Environmental Biotechnology Innovation Centre (EBIC) hosted at Cranfield University. The role offers a unique opportunity to gain experience across industrial biotechnology, environmental science and commercial innovation, while contributing to the development of a new environmental biotechnology platform with significant commercial potential.
About You
This role requires knowledge of enzyme engineering, molecular biology and protein expression, along with strong data analysis and environmental biotechnology experiences. Knowledge of artificial intelligence, machine learning, bioinformatics, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation, or PFAS chemistry would also be desirable.
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This role would suit an individual with excellent communication and project management skills, and the ability to work effectively across both academic and industrial environments. Previous experience of molecular biology, protein engineering, enzyme characterisation or related laboratory techniques is essential. You will hold a PhD, or be close to completion, in Biotechnology, Synthetic Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, Environmental Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
About Us
As a specialist postgraduate university, Cranfield’s world-class expertise, large-scale facilities and unrivalled industry partnerships are creating leaders in technology and management globally. Learn more about Cranfield and our unique impact here.
The Environmental Biotechnology Innovation Centre (EBIC) is a UKRI-funded Engineering Biology Mission Hub hosted at Cranfield University that brings together leading academic and industrial partners to develop biotechnology solutions for environmental challenges. Learn more about EBIC here.
You will be based primarily at Inspiralis Ltd, an established UK biotechnology company with more than 17 years of successful trading, specialising in the development and manufacture of molecular biology enzymes. The company is based at Norwich Research Park and has a multidisciplinary team of scientists and technical specialists, and it supplies high-quality enzyme products and services to customers across the UK and international life science sectors. You will work closely with Dr Nicolas Burton (CTO) and Dr Natassja Bush (CEO) and the Inspiralis team, as well as a multidisciplinary team of academics from EBIC at Cranfield University to develop innovative AI-assisted enzyme technologies for PFAS remediation.
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Our Values and Commitments
Our shared, stated values help to define who we are and underpin everything we do: Ambition; Impact; Respect; and Community. Find out more here.
We aim to create and maintain a culture in which everyone can work and study together and realise their full potential. We are a Disability Confident Employer. We are committed to actively exploring flexible working options for each role and have been ranked in the Top 30 family friendly employers in the UK by the charity Working Families. Find out more about our key commitments to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and Flexible Working here.
Working Arrangements
Collaborating and connecting are integral to so much of what we do. Our Working Arrangements Framework provides many staff with the opportunity to flexibly combine on-site and remote working, where job roles allow, balancing the needs of our community of staff, students, clients and partners.
Eligibility
- An individual currently or previously employed by Inspiralis Ltd would not be eligible for the KTP Associate role.
- Individuals who have already been a KTP Associate would not be considered an ideal candidate.
How to apply
For an informal discussion about this opportunity, please contact Dr Tao Lyu, Senior Lecturer in Green Technologies, on (E): t.lyu@cranfield.ac.uk
Apply online now. Please do not hesitate to contact us for further details on (E): peoplerecruitment@cranfield.ac.uk. Please quote reference number 5358.
Closing date for receipt of applications: 2 September 2026
Please note that we reserve the right to close this advert prior to the stated closing date should we receive sufficient numbers of applications. Therefore, we would encourage you to complete and submit your application as soon as possible.
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