The Institute for Organismic and Molecular Evolution at the University of Mainz, Germany, invites applications for a Postdoc position: Synthetic biology for plant-based drug production in the group Plant Evolutionary Ecology, headed by Prof Dr Meret Huber 2 years, salary level TV-L E13, full time (100%)
Background: Many industrially valuable products are made by plants. Cultivating these plants and extracting the compounds is, however, often inefficient, costly and harmful to the environment. An alternative to the exploitation of plants that naturally produce the compounds is synthetic biology, in which the biosynthetic pathway is introduced into an efficient expression system.
A newly emerging expression system are duckweeds, aquatic plants that grow extremely rapidly and can be genetically engineered. In this project, we aim to improve the current genetic transformation method in duckweeds to transform this plant into environmentally friendly biofactories. As a proof-of-concept the biosynthetic pathway of a diabetes drug may be engineered.
We look for an enthusiastic and ambitious postdoc with interest in synthetic biology. The applicant should have a strong background in plant molecular biology and genetic engineering. Experience with CRISPR/Cas is advantageous. The applicant must be fluent in English and hold a doctoral degree in biology or related fields.
We offer a stimulating and interdisciplinary research environment including state-of-the-art facilities in a dynamic and international research group. The project involves collaborations with research institutions in Mainz and the Gregor Mendel Institute of Molecular Plant Biology in Vienna. The postdoc can co-supervise a PhD student. The position can likely be extended for one additional year.
How to apply: Please send a single pdf containing i) a motivation letter (max. 2 pages), ii) detailed CV, iii) copies of doctoral, MSc and BSc degree, and iv) names and addresses of two referees to meret.huber@uni-mainz.de . The reviewing process will start July 19th and will continue until the position is filled. The successful candidate may start September 2023 or to be agreed upon.
The University of Mainz is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to increase the proportion of female academics. Consequently, we actively encourage applications by women. The University of Mainz is committed to employing more staff with disabilities.
Candidates with recognized severe disabilities who have equivalent qualifications are given preference in hiring decisions, although some restrictions related to specific project-related tasks may apply. Prof. Dr. Meret Huber Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution University of Mainz meret.huber@uni-mainz.de Phone: 0049 (0)6131 3930260