Research Fellow in Synthetic Biology

About us

Biosciences is one of the world’s foremost centres for research and teaching in the biological sciences and one of the largest Divisions within UCL, undertaking a significant amount of research and teaching. The Division has a diverse portfolio addressing all areas of biology from protein interactions to cell function, organism development, genetics, population studies and the environment. Computational modelling approaches are frequently used alongside experimental research programmes and much of our research crosses traditional boundaries, including the relationship of biodiversity to the health of the planet. Activity is underpinned by high calibre science technology platforms and state of the art equipment. Educational activity includes a range of undergraduate programmes, an expanding number of Masters Programmes and a substantial number of postgraduate research students.

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Algal Biotechnology Group headed by Professor Saul Purton. The successful applicant will join a pioneering research effort focussed on developing the model alga Chlamydomonas as an advanced light-driven platform for engineering biology.

About the role

We are seeking a highly motivated researcher to take a lead role in using engineering biology approaches to create advanced strains of the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii suitable for industrial biotechnology, and to explore engineering approaches to improve its nutritional value as a food and feed ingredient. This is an Engineering Biology Mission Award (BB/Y00857X/1) funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and involves collaborations with the Universities of Glasgow, Sheffield and Scottish Association For Marine Science. The role would suit someone with expertise in synthetic biology, genetic engineering of microorganisms, and genome editing technologies.

Interview Date(s) are scheduled for: the last week of September 2024.

This is a open ended role with funding until February 13^th 2026 in the first instance.

This appointment is subject to UCL Terms and Conditions of Service for Research and Professional Services Staff. Please visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/human-resources/conditions-service-research-teaching-and-professional-services-staff for more information.

A job description and person specification can be accessed at the bottom of this page.

If you need reasonable adjustments or a more accessible format to apply for this job online or have any queries about the application process, please contact Biosciences staffing at .

These were the figures used last time, but please check that they match with current payscale. Also check on JD.

About you

You must have a PhD in molecular biology, biotechnology, or a related subject area and proven knowledge of synthetic biology and its application to strain engineering and genome manipulation. Experience in recombinant DNA methods, transgene design, DNA assembly and microbial transgenics is also essential. You will be expected to work as part of a tightly integrated team of biologists and engineers to produce original contributions to the development of the microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii as a genetically programmable system for industrial biotech applications. Your studies will focus on strategies to enhance and domesticate the alga as a robust industrial platform, and to introduce new nutritional traits through metabolic engineering. In addition to developing and conducting the research, you will contribute expertise to the overall research effort in the Purton group. You will also communicate results as scientific papers in leading journals, and as scientific prese ntations at national and international conferences.

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