The Engineering Microbial Metal Recovery (EMMR) consortium brings together a unique group of world-renowned academics to develop an entirely new approach for recovering valuable metals from the expanding supplies of electronic waste (e-waste), that is currently destined for disposal as landfill. Using the tools of genetic engineering, will be fine-tune naturally-occurring bacteria to recognise and accumulate metals including gold and "rare earth elements" that are common in discarded phones and batteries. Gold is one of the most valuable metals lost in e-waste, and the rare earth elements (REEs) are a limited resource that are required to power our growing green economy (being vital components of electric car batteries, wind turbines and other green energy technologies). Working with industrial partners, we will test our engineered bacteria against real wastes from industry, helping convert the 40 million plus tonne global e-waste problem, to a resource that can help power the global circular economy.
This post-doctoral position is based in the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology (MIB) and Department of Chemistry at the University of Manchester and aims to use computer-guided rational protein engineering to create REE-binding proteins for metal sequestration. This approach will involve a multidisciplinary combination of in silico design, protein engineering, in vitro and in vivo optical spectroscopy and imaging to ultimately engineer intracellular accumulation and compartmentalisation of REEs in aerobic and anaerobic cultures of E. coli and Shewanella. The successful applicant will join the EMMR consortium and work in the research groups of Profs Sam Hay and Louise Natrajan. The groups are currently funded by the BBSRC, EPSRC, NERC and other sources, and are well-equipped for a full range of molecular and biophysical techniques.
The Department of Chemistry is strongly committed to promoting equality and diversity, including the Athena SWAN Charter for gender equality in higher education. The School holds a Silver Award which recognises their good practice in relation to gender; including flexible working arrangements, family-friendly policies, and support to allow staff to achieve a good work-life balance. We particularly welcome applications from women for this post. Appointment will always be made on merit. For further information, please visit http://www.chemistry.manchester.ac.uk/about-us/athena-swan/
Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here
Blended working arrangements may be considered
Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.
Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:
Name: Sam Hay
Email: sam.hay@manchester.ac.uk
General enquiries:
Email: People-od.operations@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.
