Research Scientist in AI-Driven Enzyme Engineering (KTP Associate)
Opportunity Overview Cranfield University is hiring a Research Scientist in AI-Driven Enzyme Engineering as a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Associate, a fixed-term role lasting 30 months. The position pays between £36,000 and £45,000 per year depending on qualifications and experience, with an additional £2,000 annual personal development budget. You would work 37.5 hours per week within the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences, focusing on environmental sustainability through enzyme engineering. The core of this role sits at the intersection of artificial intelligence and biotechnology. You would apply machine learning methods to design and optimize enzymes for industrial applications, likely in areas like plastic degradation, biofuel production, or chemical synthesis. KTP roles are structured as three-way partnerships between a university, a company, and the associate, so you would split your time between Cranfield's research facilities and the partner organization's site. This structure gives you direct exposure to commercial R&D while maintaining academic rigor. Cranfield University is a postgraduate-only institution in Bedfordshire, England, known for its strong ties to industry and its focus on applied research. It consistently ranks among the UK's top universities for engineering and aerospace, and its environmental sustainability programs tackle real-world challenges like waste management, renewable energy, and pollution control. The university works with over 1,500 partner organizations globally, and its KTP program has a strong track record of turning research into commercial products. The role is based in the UK, and you would need the right to work there. Bedfordshire offers a lower cost of living than London while remaining within easy commuting distance of the capital. The region has good transport links, with trains to London taking about 40 minutes. UK work culture in research settings tends to be collaborative and structured, with regular progress reviews and clear milestones. If you are an international applicant, Cranfield typically supports visa sponsorship for KTP roles, though this depends on the specific project and your qualifications. Benefits - Annual salary of £36,000 to £45,000, dependent on qualifications and experience - £2,000 per annum personal development budget - Fixed-term contract for 30 months - 37.5 hours per week working schedule - Access to Cranfield University's research facilities and industry partners - Structured KTP training and professional development support Eligibility - PhD or equivalent experience in a relevant field such as bioinformatics, computational biology, machine learning, or enzyme engineering - Strong programming skills, particularly in Python or similar languages used for AI and data analysis - Experience applying machine learning or deep learning methods to biological data - Knowledge of enzyme structure, function, and engineering principles - Ability to work independently and manage a multi-stakeholder research project - Excellent communication skills for liaising between academic and industrial partners - Right to work in the UK, or eligibility for visa sponsorship Required Documents - Curriculum vitae detailing relevant research experience and publications - Cover letter explaining your interest in the role and how your skills match the project - Contact details for at least two academic or professional references How to Apply 1. Prepare your CV and cover letter, highlighting your experience in AI, enzyme engineering, and any relevant publications. 2. Submit your application through Cranfield University's recruitment portal, ensuring all required documents are attached. 3. Click the Apply button below to submit your application.