The Project
We are looking for an ambitious and talented postdoc to work on exciting synthetic genomics projects, such as the international Genome Project-Write (http://engineeringbiologycenter.org) and/or the international Synthetic Yeast Genome Project (www.syntheticyeast.org).
Background
The Cai laboratory has pioneered the design, construction and characterization of completely synthetic eukaryotic chromosomes. The Cai lab’s significant research achievements to date include: 1) Cai helped originate, and continues to coordinate, the International Synthetic Yeast Genome (Sc2.0) Consortium, which involves >10 top universities in four continents with the aim of building the first fully re-designed eukaryote genome. The Sc2.0 project is the largest synthetic biology project in the public domain. Cai’s leadership and coordination efforts for this large-scale project have ensured that milestones and scientific deliverables of the consortium have been met in a timely fashion. In March 2017, the Sc2.0 consortium published seven original research articles in Science on the first six designer chromosomes, for which the Sc2.0 project was featured on the issue cover. 2) The Cai lab has pioneered de novo genome design and synthesis through multi-disciplinary approaches that rely on robotic automation, high-throughput cloning and assembly frameworks. At the outset of his independent career, Cai founded the Edinburgh Genome Foundry supported by a £5.3M BBSRC award for a UK national SynBio facility focused on automating DNA design, assembly and characterization. 3) The Cai lab is translating these technological breakthroughs in genome engineering to broad social and economic impact. The group is actively exploring new applications of artificial chromosome technology, including the generation of novel natural product-like chemical matter. Cai lab was recently awarded a Volkswagen Foundation grant, a ERC grant and a EPSRC Fellowships to use synthetic genomics approaches to understand life’s organization at a molecular level
The lab is located in the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology (MIB), a unique cross-disciplinary research institute at the University of Manchester, which brings together more than 450 researchers with expertise in the foundational sciences supporting Synthetic Biology, including molecular biology, chemistry, engineering, materials science, computer science and medicine and as such is at the forefront of international developments in the emerging science of Synthetic Biology.
We are now seeking to recruit a skilled postdoc to join the team with expertise and experience in synthetic biology, genome engineering and evolution. She/He will focus on the mitochondrial genome research.
A strong ethos for team-based working and the ability to communicate comfortably with interdisciplinary research scientists will be essential for success in this critical role.
What you will get in return:
As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.
Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here
Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.
Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.
Any recruitment enquiries from recruitment agencies should be directed to People.Recruitment@manchester.ac.uk.
Any CV’s submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.
Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:
Name: Patrick Cai
Email: yizhi.cai@manchester.ac.uk
General enquiries:
Email: People.recruitment@manchester.ac.uk
Technical support:
https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home
This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.
Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.
