"Research Assistant / Research Associate (Fixed Term)"

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 know-how that we have established over the last few years. Together, these enable us 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. The aim is to replace the endogenous genome and reboot the system, the first such example in any organism. The postholder will work closely with the project lead to optimise the design and delivery of the synplastome, as well as to characterise the resultant engineered algal strains.

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 have regular project meetings online and in person and there is the potential for exchange visits with the other groups.

Candidates must hold a PhD in a relevant biological subject and have deep knowledge of synthetic biology approaches, microbiological methods and genome biology. They should be able to work independently to design experiments and critically evaluate data, have 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.

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

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 31 March 2027 in the first instance.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Please notice that if you have not received any news from us 1 month after the closing date you should consider that on this occasion your application has not been successful.

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

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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Key information

Department/location

Department of Plant Sciences

Salary

£33,002-£46,049

Reference

PD48968

Category

Research

Date published

27 February 2026

Closing date

2 April 2026