Fungal Biointerface Engineer (CRISPR & Genomics)

Diversity Dashboard; Sheffield; Hybrid; GBP 38,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Generous pension scheme

Job summary

The Johnston lab in the School of Medicine and Population Health at The University of Sheffield is seeking a highly motivated researcher to lead the fungal engineering strand of a major interdisciplinary programme.

You will develop candidate fungal chassis, apply genome editing, and coordinate with safety and function work packages to advance bioelectronic interfaces, publish findings and contribute to milestone reports.

Qualifications

• PhD, or equivalent experience, in fungal biology, microbiology, molecular biology, synthetic biology, biotechnology, genetics, bioengineering or a related discipline
• Proven ability in research and evidence of research output
• Practical experience in fungal or microbial culture and aseptic technique
• Specialist knowledge and practical experience in molecular biology, genome editing, CRISPR, strain construction, reporter systems or related genetic engineering methods
• Ability to design, troubleshoot and validate genetic or phenotypic modification strategies
• Experience with genotyping, sequencing-based validation, microscopy or phenotype characterisation
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with ability to translate complex information clearly
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary research team
• Experience working with filamentous fungi, fungal morphology, sporulation/conidiation, fungal stress responses or fungal containment (Desirable)
• Experience with host-cell interaction assays, microscopy-based tracking, bioelectronic materials or projects involving regulated biological materials (Desirable)

Responsibilities

• Design and generate engineered fungal candidates
• Apply CRISPR/genome editing, reporter strain generation, molecular cloning, genotyping and validation methods as appropriate to the project
• Characterise fungal growth, thermotolerance, morphology, branching, hyphal fusion/non-fusion, sporulation/propagule behaviour and rescue sensitivity
• Develop and maintain a candidate fungal strain collection for bioelectronic interface testing
• Develop or support assays for external growth arrest, auxotrophy/nutrient dependency and containment
• Prepare standardised fungal candidate handoff packages for downstream biological and functional testing
• Establish and maintain fungal culture, strain banking, recovery, passage and quality-control workflows
• Maintain accurate records
• Work closely with researchers in host compatibility and bioelectronic interface function
• Assist with relevant research as directed by the project proposal in conjunction with other project members, to achieve the milestones and deliverables established in the project plan
• Design, conduct, analyse and document experiments within your area of expertise
• Maintain detailed, accurate and timely records of experimental procedures, results, data analyses and decisions
• Work independently and alongside project partners to meet project objectives
• Coordinate with other work packages to ensure candidate fungal materials are tested consistently across safety, control and functional assays
• Contribute to candidate downselection, milestone evidence packs and progress reporting
• Maintain equipment, software and supplies required for the project work
• Follow mandatory Health and Safety policies and procedures, including COSHH, biosafety, GM requirements where applicable, and standard operating procedures
• Liaise with the academic principal investigator and other academic co-investigators, collaborators and technical staff
• Carry out strategic planning over the duration of the project in conjunction with other project members, including planning and scheduling of experimental work and resource requirements
• Read academic papers, journals, books and professional literature to understand the context of the project within the wider literature
• Disseminate research findings to project staff and other stakeholders, including written project reports, presentations at project meetings and contributions to reports, manuscripts or future funding applications
• As a member of staff, you will be encouraged to make ethical decisions in your role, embedding the University sustainability strategy into your working activities wherever possible
• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post

Skills

CRISPR editing

Fungal biology

Molecular biology

Genetic engineering

Microbiology

Education

PhD or equivalent in fungal biology or related

Tools

CRISPR

Job description

The Johnston lab in the School of Medicine and Population Health at The University of Sheffield is seeking a highly motivated researcher to lead the fungal engineering strand of a major interdisciplinary programme.

You will develop candidate fungal chassis, apply genome editing, and coordinate with safety and function work packages to advance bioelectronic interfaces, publish findings and contribute to milestone reports.