We are looking for an ambitious and talented postdoc to work on exciting synthetic genomics projects, such as the international Genome Project-Write () and/or the international Synthetic Yeast Genome Project ().
The Cai laboratory has pioneered the design, construction and characterization of completely synthetic eukaryotic chromosomes. The Cai lab’s significant research achievements to date include: 1) Cai helped originate, and continues to coordinate, the International Synthetic Yeast Genome (Sc2.0) Consortium, which involves >10 top universities in four continents with the aim of building the first fully re-designed eukaryote genome. The Sc2.0 project is the largest synthetic biology project in the public domain. Cai’s leadership and coordination efforts for this large-scale project have ensured that milestones and scientific deliverables of the consortium have been met in a timely fashion. In March 2017, the Sc2.0 consortium published seven original research articles in Science on the first six designer chromosomes, for which the Sc2.0 project was featured on the issue cover. 2) The Cai lab has pioneered de novo genome design and synthesis through multi-disciplinary approaches that rely on robotic automation, high-throughput cloning and assembly frameworks. 3) The Cai lab is translating these technological breakthroughs in genome engineering to broad social and economic impact. The group is actively exploring new applications of artificial chromosome technology, including the generation of novel phage therapies, programmable plants and synthetic human chromosomes.
The lab is located in the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology (MIB), a unique cross-disciplinary research institute at the University of Manchester, which brings together more than 450 researchers with expertise in the foundational sciences supporting Synthetic Biology, including molecular biology, chemistry, engineering, materials science, computer science and medicine and as such is at the forefront of international developments in the emerging science of Synthetic Biology.
We are now seeking to recruit a skilled postdoc to join the team with expertise and experience in synthetic biology, genome engineering and evolution. She/He will focus on the synthetic phage genome research. A strong ethos for team-based working and the ability to communicate comfortably with interdisciplinary research scientists will be essential for success in this critical role.
What you will get in return:
1. Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
2. Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
3. Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
4. Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
5. Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers