Research Associate (Fixed Term)

at  University of Cambridge

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 2 years in the first instance.
Applications are invited for a post-doctoral research associate to join Dr Jenny Zhang’s team at the Department of Chemistry on a project aimed at developing new cyanobacterial mutants with enhanced ability to generate electricity.
The successful applicant will employ genetic engineering approach, including the use of CRISPR(i) systems and directed evolution workflows, to engineer and select for cyanobacteria with enhanced extracellular electron transfer activity. They will be expected to work in multi-disciplinary teams to fully characterise and potentially utilise these mutants in energy conversion biotechnologies.
Applicants should have (or be about to obtain) a PhD in molecular biology, biochemistry, synthetic biology, or related disciplines. It is essential that the applicant can demonstrate independence in performing genetic engineering of cyanobacteria, which are harder to engineer than other model bacteria, with experience also desired in characterisation techniques (microscopy, bioinformatics, transcriptomics, metabolomics). The candidate will gain training in a suite of state-of-the-art biophysical techniques (including bioelectrochemistry and pump-probe spectroscopy), as well as personal development and leadership skills.
Click the ‘Apply’ button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Please ensure that you upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV), a covering letter and publications list in the upload section of the online application. If you upload any additional documents that have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.
For queries relating to your application or the application process, please contact Jenny Zhang via email on jz366@cam.ac.uk
Please quote reference MA42422 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The Department holds an Athena SWAN silver award for women in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine.
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

Please refer the Job description for details