Post doc position in algae molecular and synthetic biology

The SDU Institute of Green Technology (IGT), Faculty of Engineering, University of Southern Denmark (SDU) invites applications for a 1-year post doc position (with extension option for additional 2.5 years) in algae synthetic biology. The position is funded by a Danish funding source to investigate and engineer algal metabolism with innovative synthetic biology approaches.

The research environment

 The Algae Synthetic Biology lab , headed by Assistant Prof. Michele Fabris, focuses on the investigation and characterization of the microalgae metabolism and genetics, and on the translation of this fundamental knowledge into the development of strain engineering strategies aimed at the production of bioactive compounds of commercial interests.

The Algae Synthetic Biology Lab is part of the Biotechnology section , a multidisciplinary research division within IGT dedicated to developing innovative, sustainable solutions from biological systems to provide food, feed, chemicals, and renewable energy. The Biotechnology section is distinguished by collaborative, international and interdisciplinary research and hosts world class super resolution microscopy facilities and expertise, with direct access to SDU’s cutting-edge flow cytometry and metabolomics facilities.

The project

The position will be part of an exciting project aimed at elucidating and engineering aspects of isoprenoid metabolism in photosynthetic diatoms to answer fundamental impactful research questions, and to develop engineered strain to produce high-value isoprenoid-derived molecules. The project involves international collaborations and will employ innovative approaches for gene discovery, multi-gene DNA construct assembly through automation, high-throughput transformation and screening, single cell biology and super-resolution microscopy.

The position

You will carry out innovative and high-impact research in which you will develop and employ synthetic biology approaches to identify and characterize the genetic basis of isoprenoid metabolism in diatoms. You will apply this knowledge to manipulate pathway regulators, and ultimately engineer novel diatom strains with new metabolic functions. You will be involved in graduate and undergraduate student guidance and international collaborations.

The successful applicant for the post doc position will have:

• PhD in molecular biology, synthetic biology, biotechnology, or related fields.
• Demonstrated experience in plant or micro-eukaryotes molecular biology, metabolic engineering, or synthetic biology
• Demonstrated experience in multi-gene DNA constructs design and assembly
• Familiarity with analytical chemistry techniques (GC-MS, LC-MS, HPLC)
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English
• Capacity to work as part of a team and foster collaboration
• Demonstrated capacity to independently plan and conduct scientific research

Desired skills but not essential

• Bioinformatics skills (e.g. RNA seq data analysis)
• Experience with CRISPR-Cas9 and related applications
• Experience in guiding and supervising students

Deadline for application: 1/8/2021

For further information: contact Assistant Professor Michele Fabris, phone: +45 65508306, e-mail: [email protected] .

Read more and apply for the position at https://www.sdu.dk/en/service/ledige_stillinger/vip