Postdoctoral Researcher : Norwich, United Kingdom 

Postdoctoral Researcher

We have an opportunity for an outstanding post-doctoral scientist within the Patron Group at the Earlham Institute (EI) to work on a collaborative project with the O'Connor group at the John Innes Centre (JIC). The candidate must have a comprehensive understanding of methods used in heterologous gene expression, a good understanding of plant secondary metabolism and laboratory skills in molecular biology and biochemistry.

The project aims to improve heterologous plant production chassis and to contribute to our understanding of how the rich endogenous metabolism of plants detoxifies foreign molecules. Specifically, the post holder will use RNA-guided Cas9 and virus-induced gene silencing to introduce mutations and downregulate endogenous genes predicted to interfere with or prevent heterologous expression of proteins and metabolites. This will pave the way for more effective plant production chassis for efficient production of proteins and small molecules, including vaccines and human therapies.

The post-holder will contribute to the selection of gene targets, construct design and assembly, genotyping, heterologous expression, and quantification of heterologously expressed proteins and metabolites. Technical assistance will be provided for the generation of genome-engineered plants and the post-holder will have access to the cutting-edge laboratory automation facilities at EI's DNA Foundry. The post-holder will also interact with stakeholders at LeafSystems® and have the opportunity to work and collaborate with scientists in the OpenPlant Synthetic Biology Research Centre.

The successful applicant will have a PhD in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biological Chemistry, Plant Biology, Synthetic Biology, or a related subject. Experience in molecular cloning, genotyping and expression analyses are all essential, and experience with LC- and GC-based mass spectrometry metabolomics are desirable.