Postdoctoral Scholar - Synthetic or Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Cyanobacteria
University of California San Diego
State University, Browse similar opportunities
en
State University, Browse similar opportunities
A fully-funded post-doctoral position is available in the Food & Fuel for the 21st Century/Division of Biological Sciences at the University of California, San Diego under the supervision of Prof. Stephen Mayfield and Dr. Ryan Simkovsky. In collaboration with a number of industry leaders and academic groups at UCSD and across the nation, we are developing sustainable, recyclable, and biodegradable polyester polyurethane materials as replacements to petroleum-based plastics. To generate precursor chemicals for these materials in a sustainable manner, we are engineering cyanobacteria to directly convert sunlight and atmospheric carbon into biomass and chemicals that can be readily converted into polyurethane precursors and fuels. We are seeking a post-doctoral trainee to develop synthetic biology, metabolic engineering, and high throughput screening tools to alter a novel strain of cyanobacteria for increased production of biomass and chemicals in alkaline salt media. The trainee will evaluate strains in the laboratory for biomass and product yields, for which biochemical and analytical chemistry methods may need to be developed with collaborating groups in the Chemistry Department at UCSD. The successful candidate will then grow the most productive strains in 200-L raceway ponds at our greenhouse facility to generate enough biomass and products to work closely with collaborating groups in Chemistry, as well as with corporate partners, to purify products for generating polyurethane materials.
The University of California employs about 5,963 postdoctoral scholars (approx. 1,200 at UCSD) who contribute to the academic community by enhancing the research and education programs of the university. The postdoctoral experience emphasizes scholarship and continued research training. UC's postdoctoral scholars bring expertise and creativity that enrich the research environment for all members of the UC community, including graduate and undergraduate students. Appointment durations vary depending on the length of the research project and the availability of funding. The total duration of an individual's postdoctoral service may not exceed five years, including postdoctoral service at other institutions. The International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW) is the exclusive representative of the postdoctoral scholars.
Applications will be considered from PhD Biologists with experience in at least one of the following areas:
o Synthetic or Molecular Biology,
o Microbiology, or
o Biochemistry
Review of applications will commence on January 27, 2022, and will continue until a qualified candidate is selected. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and based on published University of California pay scales.
Choose the country you wish to travel to study for free, work or volunteer
