Synthetic Biologist in the Plant Synthetic Biology Group

BITE GmbH; Potsdam; Vor Ort; EUR 55.000 - 90.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A leading research institute in Potsdam is seeking a Synthetic Biologist to join their Plant Synthetic Biology Group. The role involves building new plant genomes and developing innovative methods for genetic engineering. Ideal candidates will hold a relevant PhD and have a strong background in genomics and synthetic biology, contributing to a dynamic, interdisciplinary team focused on cutting-edge research.

Leistungen

Fully funded position

Access to world-class infrastructure

Professional development opportunities

Qualifikationen

• PhD with first-author or co-author publications.
• Experience with genome-scale engineering.
• Experience with BAC assembly and amplification.

Aufgaben

• Join the genome synthesis team to build synthetic chloroplast genomes.
• Develop methods for chloroplast genome assembly.
• Contribute to the development of a cell-free platform.

Kenntnisse

Genomics

Genome engineering

Synthetic biology

Ausbildung

PhD in synthetic genomics or related field

Jobbeschreibung

Synthetic Biologist in the Plant Synthetic Biology Group

The MPI for Molecular Plant Physiology in Potsdam is looking for a

Synthetic Biologist in the Plant Synthetic Biology Group

Are you a synthetic biologist excited about building new plant genomes? Do you want to help develop the tools to create universal chloroplast genomes and transplant them across species? If so, join us at the Plant Synthetic Biology group of Dr. Daniel Dunkelmann at the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Plant Physiology.

We are looking for an experienced synthetic biologist to strengthen our growing team. Your core expertise should lie in synthetic genomics or plant synthetic biology, ideally with a strong background in genome-scale engineering (in either prokaryotes or eukaryotes). You are a team player with a strong interest in developing new methods to engineer plants at the genome scale.

You will join the

SycSol team

, funded by the Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA) and embedded in their Synthetic Plants programme, giving you access to a vibrant community of fellow plant synthetic biologists. Our team designs plant genomes capable of functioning across species and develops strategies to enable their effective transfer between hosts. We engineer synthetic genetic codes to enable artificial polymer production and to ensure genetic isolation of synthetic elements in plants. Our focus is on advancing methods at the intersection of computational, molecular, synthetic, and plant biology. We are building an interdisciplinary and diverse team to drive innovation in this space.

Your specific tasks:

• Join the genome synthesis team to build synthetic chloroplast genomes
• Develop methods for chloroplast genome assembly in prokaryotes, yeast, and plants
• Streamline the chloroplast transformation platform, from transformation to the analysis, characterisation, and retransformation of transgenic plants
• Develop an independent project to engineer plants at the genome scale
• Contribute to the development of a cell-free platform for rapid chloroplast genome testing and engineering
  
  

Beyond these research tasks, we offer a platform for you to take initiative and grow into an independent scientist. As a postdoc, you will have the opportunity to shape the direction of your project.

• Mentor MSc and PhD students, preparing for a future supervisory role
• Attend workshops and conferences to present your findings and advance your professional development.
  
  

Your profile:

• PhD in synthetic genomics or a related field, with first-author or co-author publications (preprints or peer-reviewed)
• Experience with genome-scale engineering
• Experience with BAC assembly and amplification
• Experience in genome design
• Experience with cell-free systems (preferred but not essential)
• Background in plant synthetic biology, especially genetic engineering (strong plus)
• Interest in mentoring PhD and MSc students
• Flexible start date; ideally available to start soon
• Willingness to contribute to a friendly and welcoming lab culture
  
  

What we value and offer:

We value curiosity, kindness and ambition, and building things together. Whether you are a team player or prefer to focus on your own work, as long as you contribute to an inclusive workplace, you are welcome in our team!

We offer a stimulating research setting at one of the world’s leading plant biology institutes. The Max Planck Institute for Molecular Plant Physiology, located in Potsdam-Golm near Berlin, provides world-class infrastructure and outstanding support services. The position is fully funded and comes with excellent resources, allowing full focus on science for two years.

How to apply:

Tell us why you are interested in plant synthetic biology and why you are well suited to help new plant genomes from the ground up. We would also like to hear what kind of lab setting you enjoy and what helps you doing your best work.

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