Research Fellow in Computational Glycobiology
| Posting date: | 11 March 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £39,906 to £44,746 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 18 March 2026 |
| Location: | Southampton, Hampshire |
| Remote working: | On-site only |
| Company: | University of Southampton |
| Job type: | Contract |
| Job reference: | 3365826BJ |
Summary
We are seeking a computational glycobiologist to join a multidisciplinary project developing next-generation enzymatic tools for antibody glycoengineering. The role will focus on applying state-of-the-art structural modelling and computational protein design approaches to understand and engineer enzymes that modify IgG Fc N-linked glycans.
The successful candidate will use tools such as AlphaFold, molecular modelling platforms, and glycan conformational analysis frameworks (e.g. GlycoShape) to investigate the structural dynamics of IgG glycans and their interactions with glycosyltransferases. Working closely with structural biologists and glycobiologists, they will analyse enzyme-substrate interfaces, model Fc-glycan accessibility, and support the design of engineered enzymes with enhanced activity toward IgG substrates. Computational insights will guide the design of chimeric glycosyltransferases that incorporate Fc-binding domains to achieve proximity-driven enhancement of glycan processing.
This role is ideally suited to a researcher with experience in computational structural biology, glycobiology, or protein modelling, who is interested in applying AI-enabled structural prediction and glycan modelling tools to real-world challenges in antibody engineering. The position offers the opportunity to contribute to the development of new technologies for precise control of antibody glycosylation, with applications in therapeutic antibody manufacturing and immune effector modulation.
Working at the University of Southampton:
Check out the staff benefits and why you should join us at The University of Southampton.
As a university we aim to create an environment where everyone can thrive and are proactive in fostering a culture of inclusion, respect and equality of opportunity. We believe that we can only truly meet our objectives if we are reflective of society, so we are passionate about creating a working environment in which you are free to bring your whole self to work. With a generous holiday allowance as well as additional university closure days we are committed to supporting our staff and students and open to a flexible working approach.
Apply by 11.59 pm GMT on the closing date. For assistance contact Recruitment on +44(0)2380 592750 or recruitment@soton.ac.uk quoting the job number.
The successful candidate will use tools such as AlphaFold, molecular modelling platforms, and glycan conformational analysis frameworks (e.g. GlycoShape) to investigate the structural dynamics of IgG glycans and their interactions with glycosyltransferases. Working closely with structural biologists and glycobiologists, they will analyse enzyme-substrate interfaces, model Fc-glycan accessibility, and support the design of engineered enzymes with enhanced activity toward IgG substrates. Computational insights will guide the design of chimeric glycosyltransferases that incorporate Fc-binding domains to achieve proximity-driven enhancement of glycan processing.
This role is ideally suited to a researcher with experience in computational structural biology, glycobiology, or protein modelling, who is interested in applying AI-enabled structural prediction and glycan modelling tools to real-world challenges in antibody engineering. The position offers the opportunity to contribute to the development of new technologies for precise control of antibody glycosylation, with applications in therapeutic antibody manufacturing and immune effector modulation.
Working at the University of Southampton:
Check out the staff benefits and why you should join us at The University of Southampton.
As a university we aim to create an environment where everyone can thrive and are proactive in fostering a culture of inclusion, respect and equality of opportunity. We believe that we can only truly meet our objectives if we are reflective of society, so we are passionate about creating a working environment in which you are free to bring your whole self to work. With a generous holiday allowance as well as additional university closure days we are committed to supporting our staff and students and open to a flexible working approach.
Apply by 11.59 pm GMT on the closing date. For assistance contact Recruitment on +44(0)2380 592750 or recruitment@soton.ac.uk quoting the job number.
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