Research Associate in Synthetic Genomics

University of Bristol Law School; Bristol; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious UK university in Bristol is seeking a dedicated researcher for a project on genome design and engineering. You will validate Escherichia coli genome designs using advanced molecular biology techniques, contributing to the development of commercially valuable pigments. A collaborative environment awaits you with opportunities for peer-reviewed publications and conferences. The role is full-time on a fixed-term contract until August 2026.

Qualifications

• Expertise in standard molecular biology techniques.
• Experience working with bacterial cultures, particularly E. coli.
• Proficiency in high-throughput assembly methods like Golden-Gate cloning.

Responsibilities

• Construct and test E. coli strains with reduced genome size.
• Collaborate with computational scientists for genome design refinement.
• Disseminate findings via publications and conferences.

Skills

Standard molecular biology techniques

Working with bacterial cultures

Building genetic constructs

Synthetic biology and bioengineering

Independent research skills

Job description

The role

Computer-aided design (CAD) is widely used in engineering to accelerate and optimize the design process. Applying CAD and related computational approaches to the engineering of biology would have a transformative impact, reducing the need to waste time of costly and laborious trial-and-error.

In this project, you will experimentally validate several designs of Escherichia coli genomes that were developed using CAD which combined large-scale cellular simulations and machine learning (unpublished data). These modelled cells demonstrated significantly boosted metabolic production, and we are aiming to prove their capabilities in the lab.

You will employ advanced multiplexed genome editing techniques to create cells with these reduced genomes and then assess their performance for producing a commercially valuable pigment.

The work will be carried out across the School of Biological Sciences under the supervision of Prof. Thomas Gorochowski and Prof. Claire Grierson and the School of Engineering Mathematics and Technology under the supervision of Prof. Lucia Marucci.

You will participate in a vibrant and dynamic, inclusive and equitable research environment developing and applying cutting edge technology to generate new knowledge and biological insights in a top 10 UK University, in one of the best cities to live in the UK.

What will you be doing?

You will be part of a leading research team working on rationale genome design and engineering.

You will construct and test E. coli strains with reduced genome size, using multiplexed genome editing techniques, and test the reduced genomes as a chassis for pigment production. You will collaborate with computational scientists to refine the genome designs, and support the general running of the experimental infrastructure within the groups. You will disseminate your findings via peer-reviewed publications and participation to conferences.

You should apply if

• You are a dedicated team player in an international, dynamic, diverse and equitable team.
• Have expertise in standard molecular biology techniques.
• Have expertise in working with bacterial cultures and in particular coli, and in building genetic constructs using high-throughput assembly methods (e.g. Golden-Gate cloning).
• Have keen interest in synthetic biology and bioengineering.
• Have the ability to act as an independent researcher and proactively drive the development and direction of a research project.

Additional information

For informal queries please contact:

Prof. Lucia Marucci - [e-mail];

Prof. Thomas Gorochowski - [e-mail];

Prof. Claire Grierson - [e-mail].

To find out more about what it's like to work in the Faculty of Engineering, and how the Faculty supports people to achieve their potential, please see our staff blog:

https://engineering.blogs.bristol.ac.uk/category/engineering-includes-me/

Contract type: Fixed term until 31/08/2026

Work pattern: Full time

Grade: I

Salary: £39,906 - £44,746 per annum pro rata

School/Unit: Engineering Mathematics and Technology

This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on Thursday 9th October.

Interviews are expected to take place on Tuesday 21st October.

Our strategy and mission

We recently launched our strategy to 2030 tying together our mission, vision and values.

The University of Bristol aims to be a place where everyone feels able to be themselves and do their best in an inclusive working environment where all colleagues can thrive and reach their full potential. We want to attract, develop, and retain individuals with different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives - particularly people of colour, LGBT+ and disabled people - because diversity of people and ideas remains integral to our excellence as a global civic institution.