Researcher in applied microbiology - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

About two third of plastics in packaging is within the food sector, which highlights the urgent need of developing processes using bio-based and biodegradable polymers as food packaging material. In the present study, non-conventional yeasts are characterised for their metabolic potential to accumulate specific metabolites. Selected candidate yeast(s) will be metabolically engineered to rewire the metabolism towards the target compound. This includes the establishment of CRISPR technology, dedicated gene cassettes and transformation techniques in the selected host(s). The generated recombinant strain(s) will be assessed under process relevant conditions for the production of the targeted biopolymer precursor.

Work duties

• Research within the subject area
• Collaboration with industry and wider society
• Administration related to the work duties listed above

Qualification requirements Applicants must have:

• A PhD or equivalent research qualification within microbiology, molecular biology or an equivalent.
• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Previous experience with molecular biology, including CRISPR technology applied to non-conventional yeasts
• Practical and theoretical knowledge of yeast physiology applied to the metabolic engineering of non-conventional yeasts (if possible for xylose utilisation, PHB production and/or lipid metabolism).
• Practical knowledge of evolutionary engineering/adaptive laboratory evolution

Assessment criteria and other qualifications

• Recorded ability to develop and conduct high quality and independent research.
• Documented expertise in the scientific requirements stated above (molecular biology in non-conventional yeasts (including CRISPR technology); yeast physiology applied to the metabolic engineering of non-conventional yeasts; evolutionary engineering/adaptive laboratory evolution).

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within the department, and how they stand to contribute to its future development.

Terms of employment Temporary employment, 2 years, 100 %,

Instructions on how to apply Applications shall be written in English and be compiled into a PDF-file containing:

• résumé/CV, including a list of publications,
• a general description of past research and future research interests (no more than three pages),
• contact information of at least two references,
• copy of the doctoral degree certificate, and other certificates/grades that you wish to be considered.