If you’ve been working as a synthetic biology lecturer and/or researcher, you might be considering your future career prospects. This profile explores what it’s like to work as an associate professor in this exciting and transformational field and where to find these types of opportunities at jobs.ac.uk.
Associate professors are experienced academics with a track record of published research and higher education teaching experience.
What is Synthetic Biology?
It is an emerging field which applies engineering principles to biology. It focuses on redesigning and modifying existing natural biological systems or constructing new, artificial organisms.
Although research in this area is relatively new, it has far-reaching potential benefits. Programming synthetic cells to treat disease, large-scale drug production (synthetic biology was key to the mass production of COVID-19 vaccines), biofuel production, lab-grown food and microbial engineering are just a few examples of how synthetic biology can transform the way we live.
Specialists in this field are employed in higher education and research, in biosciences and biotechnology industries and the growing number of startups dedicated to advancements in synthetic biology worldwide.
Associate Professor of Synthetic Biology Jobs
Associate professors teach and mentor students while carrying out research into design-based biology.
Duties include:
- Conducting world-leading research.
- Delivery of interdisciplinary teaching to undergraduate and postgraduate students.
- Supervision of doctoral students and junior researchers.
- Participating in worldwide research collaborations and programmes.
- Advancing the subject area through publications, conferences and international collaboration.
- Sourcing and applying for major funding grants.
- Collaborating with industry partners, public health bodies and research organisations.
How to Become an Associate Professor of Synthetic Biology
Associate professors are experienced academics who lead research and teaching. Promotion to this level is dependent on candidates having the following qualifications and experience:
Essential qualifications
- A PhD in synthetic biology or a related area.
- A postgraduate teaching qualification and/or senior fellowship of Advance HE (formerly the HEA).
Experience and knowledge
Synthetic biology is an interdisciplinary research field which requires specialists to have a breadth of knowledge across biological and physical sciences, engineering and maths. At this level, it would be necessary to have significant postdoctoral experience and an established and well-respected publication record.
A track record of securing research funding, supervision of research students and the delivery of high-quality and inspiring teaching would also be a must.
Industry experience as a senior scientist in the area would be a definite advantage.
What’s the pay?
Synthetic biology is a rapidly growing area and specialists can command higher-than-average salaries. An associate professor in this field can expect to earn around £59,345 to £64,059 p.a., depending on research record and teaching experience.
What can it lead to?
After completing several years as an associate professor, you could apply for a professor position. Promotion would depend on the visibility of your research and teaching record.
Where can I find jobs?
Synthetic biology has the potential to transform global social and economic progress. Therefore, talented researchers who have the knowledge and ability to make advances in this area and who can inspire future bio-engineering innovators are in demand.
You’ll find jobs in university schools and faculties of biological sciences, engineering and physical sciences. Most associate professor jobs are offered on a permanent basis and the busiest time for recruitment to these positions is between May and July.
When you conduct a job search, creating a jobs by email alert helps you to gain job opportunities directly via email. Whether you’re looking for a postdoctoral position, faculty position, or other employment opportunities, jobs.ac.uk is designed to keep you updated and informed.
Find Associate Professor of Synthetic Biology jobs
Related job profiles:
- Research jobs in Microbiology
- Microbiology Lecturer
- Clinical Microbiology Teaching Fellow
- Immunology Lecturer
- Senior Lecturer in Biomedical Sciences
- Professor of Virology
Leave a Reply