Research Associate- Hollfelder Group- Functional metagenomics, novel biocatalysts for a sustainable circular economy from ultrahigh throughput screening (Fixed Term)

A postdoctoral position is available for 12 months (in the first instance, extension possible) from 1 March 2024 to work with Florian Hollfelder at the Biochemistry Department of Cambridge University (https://hollfelder.bioc.cam.ac.uk/ ). The project is part of the Horizon Europe project BlueTools (https://www.bluetools-project.eu/ ) and involves collaborations with various EU and UK groups on harnessing marine microbiomes and marine culture collections for novel biocatalysts that may play a role in future sustainable processes with higher resource and energy efficiency.

We will develop ultrahigh throughput assays to screen metagenomic libraries for new catalysts for applications in recycling, bioremediation and green chemistry. Candidate enzymes are mechanistically investigated, structurally characterised and subsequently improved by directed evolution. Ultrahigh-throughput screening in microfluidic picoliter droplets allows us to interrogate enzyme libraries with more than 10 million members experimentally in a day, increasing the chances of success in catalyst discovery.

Applicants should thus have a first (or upper second) class degree in chemistry, biochemistry or a related, relevant subject, followed by a PhD. Familiarity with molecular and chemical biology techniques and specific skills in assay development, enzyme kinetics, DNA library generation, structural biology, organic synthesis, high-throughput screening, mechanistic enzymology, database searching and microfluidic engineering are advantages.

Applications should contain a description of research interests (e.g. as part of the cover letter), a detailed CV (with exam marks and all relevant practical experience) and a list of publications. Please also include the names and email addresses of at least two referees, who are familiar with your research work.

The University of Cambridge is a signatory to the San-Francisco Declaration on Research (Assessment DORA), and in recruitment or promotion evaluations will assess research on the basis of its merits rather than the journal or venue in which it is published. Applicants should not include Journal Impact Factors or uncontextualized metrics in their applications. For more information: https://www.biology.cam.ac.uk/files/dora.pdf

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 12 months in the first instance.

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Informal enquiries can be sent to: Professor Hollfelder:[email protected]

For any questions about this vacancy or the application process please contact: [email protected]

Please quote reference PH39685 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

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