Research Assistant / Research Associate (Fixed Term)

Company: University of Cambridge
Apply for the Research Assistant / Research Associate (Fixed Term)
Location: Cambridge
Job Description:

Overview

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral position to join our team working on the generation of a completely engineered chloroplast genome (synplastome). This exciting project takes advantage of the simple genetic system of the Chlamydomonas chloroplast and a suite of tools, resources and expertise that we have established over the last few years to design the Synplastome v2.0 from scratch, build it in a modular fashion in yeast and then transfer it to a suitable Chlamydomonas host strain.

Project Collaboration

The project is part of a collaborative BBSRC-funded sLoLa award, which also includes researchers at the University of Edinburgh and UCL in London working on manipulating photosynthetic genes, optimising gene editing technologies and codon reassignment in Chlamydomonas. We hold regular project meetings online and in person and there is the potential for exchange visits with the other groups.

Responsibilities

  • Work closely with the project lead to optimise the design and delivery of the synplastome.
  • Characterise the resultant engineered algal strains.

Qualifications

  • Hold a PhD in a relevant biological subject.
  • Have deep knowledge of synthetic biology approaches, microbiological methods and genome biology.
  • Be able to work independently to design experiments and critically evaluate data.
  • Possess excellent communication skills, both orally and in writing, and experience of team work.
  • Knowledge and experience with photosynthetic systems and/or chloroplasts is highly desirable.

Terms of Appointment

Fixed‑term: The funds for this post are available until 31 March 2027.

Application Procedure

Please quote reference PD48968 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

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Posted: March 6th, 2026