SPRINGER NATURE
Location
England | United Kingdom
Job description
Employer
Humboldt Universität zu Berlin
Location
Rhoda Erdmann House: Modern hub in Berlin's heart at Humboldt University's North Campus
Salary
Closing date
1 Mar 2024
Discipline
Applied Science
Job Type
PhD Studentship, Postdoctoral
Employment - Hours
Part time
Duration
Fixed term
Qualification
Professional certification
Sector
Academia
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PhD and Postdoctoral Researcher Positions (f/m/d)
Yeast Synthetic Biology
Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin - Germany
Place: Institute for Biology, Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, Berlin
The proposed project
These positions should be started, preferably at the latest, on June 1st, and are initially funded for 36 months, with the possibility of extension following an evaluation. The chosen candidate will be an integral part of the COMPLATn research project, which is funded by the Emmy Noether program of DFG. The project centers on the metabolic engineering of highly valuable rare plant natural products (NPs), specifically the monoterpene indole alkaloids (MIAs) derived from strictosidine in the yeast P. pastoris. The COMPLATn project employs advanced synthetic biology techniques to identify optimal regulatory conditions for producing the target NPs in yeast.
Requirements:
Prior experience in developing synthetic biology tools for fine-tuning gene expression in yeast (P. pastoris or S. cerevisiae). Proficiency in molecular biology, yeast engineering and culture, and CRISPR genome editing. Previous exposure to next-generation sequencing, single-cell technology, and/or bioprocess engineering is desirable. Candidates should have a track record of publishing in peer-reviewed journals and a strong interest in yeast metabolic engineering. Wet-lab experience, in particular with cloning, genetic engineering, or molecular biology of yeasts (S. cerevisiae, P. pastoris, ... ) as well as bacteria Proficiency in molecular biology, yeast engineering and culture, and CRISPR genome editing. Excellent proficiency in English, both written and spoken.
For PhD students, a master's degree (M. Sc.) or Diploma in chemical engineering, bioengineering, biotechnology, microbiology, molecular biology, or related fields is needed.
For PostDoc researchers, a doctoral degree (PhD) in synthetic biology, chemical engineering, molecular biology, or related fields is needed. Applicants close to completing their PhDs will also be considered if their experience is directly relevant.
Key duties and responsibilities
The selected candidate will transfer plant biosynthetic genes into the yeast P. pastoris to create cell factories capable of on-demand compound production. The candidate will contribute to establishing the dual optogenetic tool and synthetic promoters to control gene expression in P. pastoris, and combinatorial optimization methodology to balance the required gene expression levels. Additionally, the candidate will participate in establishing high-throughput screening and sequencing strategies for studying the genetic identity of the library members. This work will involve using state-of-the-art synthetic biology and related technologies within a collaborative working environment. The candidate will collaborate closely with an international team of collaborators from diverse backgrounds, including Prof. Emmanuelle Charpentier (Max Planck Institute of the Science of Pathogens, Germany), Prof. Mattheos Koffas (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, USA), Prof. Vincent Courdavault (University of Tours, Tours, France), Prof. Harrison Steel (University of Oxford, UK), and Prof. Peter Hegemann (Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Germany) to gain a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental building blocks in the biosynthesis of the target MIAs in yeast.
lnterested in joining our team?
Please send your application (1. CV , 2. letter of motivation , 3. statement of research interests , 4. relevant references , and 5. name of previous supervisors ) within 4 weeks, quoting the reference number DR/006/24 (for PhD) and reference number DR/005/24 (for PostDoc), to Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Faculty of Life Sciences, Institute of Biology, Dr. Gita Naseri, Unter den Linden 6, 10099 Berlin (Sitz: Philippstr. 13) or preferably by e-mail in a single PDF file to [email protected]. Please visit our website which gives you access to the legally binding German version.
References
1.G. Naseri*. 2023. Toward a comprehensive platform for sustainable manufacturing of natural products in yeast. Nature Communications.
2.G. Naseri*, K. Prause, H. Haj Hamdo, C. Arenz. 2021. Artificial transcription factors for tuneable gene expression in Pichia pastoris. Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology.
3.G. Naseri*, M. Koffas*. 2020. Application of combinatorial optimization strategies in synthetic biology. Nature Communication.
4. G. Naseri, J. Behrend, L. Rieper, B. Mueller-Roeber. 2019. COMPASS for rapid combinatorial optimization of biochemical pathways based on artificial transcription factors. Nature Communications.
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