Research Assistant / Research Associate (Fixed Term)

University of Cambridge; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a post-doctoral Research Associate to explore how DNA features influence gene expression for synthetic plant engineering. This role involves conducting innovative experiments using bioinformatics and molecular biology techniques to enhance plant yields. The successful candidate will join a collaborative team focused on research excellence and personal development, contributing to groundbreaking advancements in plant sciences. If you're passionate about synthetic biology and eager to make a significant impact, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• PhD in molecular or synthetic biology required.
• Thorough understanding of eukaryotic genomes and gene expression.

Responsibilities

• Conduct experiments using bioinformatic and molecular biology approaches.
• Develop strategies to engineer gene expression in plants.

Skills

Molecular Biology

Synthetic Biology

Bioinformatics

Design and Assembly of Synthetic Constructs

Mass Spectrometry

Education

PhD in Molecular Biology

Job description

The Department of Plant Sciences is seeking to appoint a post-doctoral Research Associate to investigate how DNA features contribute to gene expression and how these can be used for the predictable design of synthetic constructs for engineering plants. The successful candidate will join the Patron Lab and will work in collaboration with researchers in the Queitsch lab (University of Washington, USA) and the Jores lab (University of Dusseldorf, Germany). Together, we will investigate regulatory sequences and engineer programmable and tuneable gene expression in plants.We will provide a supportive research environment with an emphasis on personal development, research excellence, integrity, and respect. More information about the Patron lab is available at www.patronlab.org .

Role overviewThe candidate will conduct experiments using bioinformatic, molecular biology and synthetic biology approaches to investigate expression-limiting features of DNA shape, torsional stress, and nucleosome occupancy. They will use this knowledge to develop strategies to engineer expression in plants, seeking to optimise yields from metabolic pathways.

Key skillsThe successful candidate must have a PhD in molecular or synthetic biology and a thorough understanding of eukaryotic genomes and gene expression. Applicants should be proficient in the design and assembly of synthetic constructs, and in the use of mass spectrometry for the identification and quantification of metabolites. Experience with plants is desirable but not essential.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 3 years in the first instance.

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