Postdoctoral Researcher LabBio

Iqs; Torrejón de Ardoz; Presencial; EUR 30.000 - 60.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

An innovative university is seeking a talented postdoctoral researcher to join a collaborative project focused on protein engineering and synthetic biology. This exciting role involves leading research on bio-orthogonal tools for metabolic labeling and microbiome studies. The position promises a dynamic work environment, engaging with cutting-edge technology and methodologies, while contributing to significant advancements in the field of biochemistry. Ideal candidates will possess a strong background in molecular cloning and protein engineering, and be ready to make impactful contributions to collaborative research efforts.

Formación

• PhD in Biotechnology or Biochemistry is required.
• Experience in molecular cloning and protein engineering is essential.

Responsabilidades

• Lead projects on protein engineering of carbohydrate active enzymes.
• Develop bio-orthogonal engineered glycosidase enzymes.

Conocimientos

Molecular Cloning

Protein Expression

Protein Engineering

Directed Evolution

Cellular Assays

Modeling and Computer-Aided Protein Design

Communication Skills

Team Building Skills

Supervisory Skills

Educación

PhD in Biotechnology

PhD in Biochemistry

Descripción del empleo

IQS, a founding member of Universitat Ramon Llull, is made up of two university faculties : IQS School of Engineering and IQS School of Management; IQS Executive Education which offers specialized training to professionals and companies; the IQS Tech Transfer division which carries out research, innovation and technology transfer for industry and companies; and by IQS Tech Factory which promotes entrepreneurship and supports the creation of new scientific-technological companies.

With more than 100 years of teaching experience, IQS is a benchmark university center, committed to responding to the continuous challenges that the social, economic, technological and industrial context poses.

Our vocation and commitment is the comprehensive training of people with attitudes, knowledge and skills that drive them towards their personal and professional development.

We promote scientific and technological knowledge, business transformation and the progress of society. At IQS we are looking for professionals committed to these values.

Position Overview :

Two years contract for a highly talented researcher to join the group and participate in collaborative projects on protein engineering of carbohydrate active enzymes in biocatalysis and synthetic biology. The postdoctoral researcher will be mainly involved and lead the project : New-to-nature glycosidases as bio-orthogonal tools in metabolic labeling and microbiome studies.

Bio-orthogonal unmasking of caged substrates (masked probes, metabolites, drugs, labeling agents) in living cells enables the study of biological processes and biomolecular functions in their natural environment. The project aims at developing engineered glycosidase enzymes / un-natural glycoconjugate substrates pairs for the bio-orthogonal and selective in vivo unmasking of probes / metabolites / labeling agents by the genetically-encoded engineered hydrolase for metabolic labeling and microbiome studies.

This is a collaborative project between the Planas Lab at IQS-URL, Barcelona (enzyme engineering and chemical biology) and the Peczuh’s Lab at the University of Connecticut, USA (synthetic carbohydrate chemistry). The project envisages proof-of-concept applications in microbiome studies (engraftment of a specific strain into a microbiome) and metabolic labeling (bacterial cell wall polysaccharides biosynthesis). Central to the project is the design and implementation of diverse bio-orthogonal engineered glycosidase / un-natural glycoconjugate substrate pairs. It will involve state-of-the art protein design and engineering by directed evolution approaches, development of high-throughput screening methods, biochemical characterization of engineered variants for specificity and bio-orthogonality on designer unnatural glycoside conjugates for subsequent implementation to the relevant proof-of-concept applications.

The research at the Laboratory of Biochemistry focuses on Carbohydrate Active Enzymes (CAZymes) involved in the biosynthesis, modification and degradation of glycans and glycoconjugates, from fundamental aspects of their mechanism, specificity and regulation to their applications in biocatalysis, synthetic biology and as therapeutic targets in infectious diseases.

Requirements

• PhD in Biotechnology, Biochemistry, or alike.
• Experience in molecular cloning, protein expression, protein engineering and directed evolution, preferably on carbohydrate active enzymes, cellular assays, and skills in modeling and computer-aided protein design.
• Communication and team building skills for collaborative work in a research team.
• Managing abilities to supervise MS and undergrad students.

Other Information

• Incorporation in September 2024
• Full-time position for 2 years, extensible upon additional funding
• Salary based on merits and qualifications
• Documentation required to apply for the position :
• Letter of interest in the specific program, detailing previous experiences
• Full CV and reprints of two main publications by the applicant
• Two letters of recommendation from scientists with whom the researcher has collaborated