Postdoc in Synthetic Plant Chromosome Engineering and Epigenetics at the University of Cambridge
University of Cambridge opportunity in
plant synthetic biology
,
epigenetics
,
bioinformatics
, and
genomics
within Prof. Jake Harris’s group at the Department of Plant Sciences.
The post advertises
1 postdoctoral researcher
and
2 research laboratory technicians
to join an ARIA-funded project focused on bringing a
synthetic plant chromosome
into existence. The work sits within a broader programme on programmable plants and synthetic plants, with an emphasis on developing new capabilities for crop engineering.
Postdoc focus:
the research involves Physcomitrium patens (“green yeast”) as the main model organism, with potato as the eventual delivery crop. The project includes epigenetic insulator systems, epigenome profiling, CRISPR-based epi-engineering, long-read sequencing, karyotyping, live-cell imaging, and computational/bioinformatic analysis. Strong bioinformatics expertise is described as critical.
Technician focus:
the lab technician roles support cloning, PCR, gel electrophoresis, DNA purification, ligation, Gibson assembly, bacterial transformation, plasmid purification, Sanger sequencing, genotyping, genetic transformation, and plant husbandry/maintenance. Experience with Physcomitrium patens, other non-vascular plants, or plant cell culture/suspension is highly beneficial.
Eligibility highlights:
the postdoc should have relevant experience in bioinformatics, genomics, molecular biology, or plant synthetic biology; the technician roles require a degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant subject plus prior lab experience and strong organisational skills. Teamwork, time management, and a positive attitude are emphasized for all roles.
Funding and duration:
the postdoc is fixed-term until 31 May 2028 in the first instance. The technician posts are fixed-term for 1.5 years in the first instance. The post does not state a stipend amount.
How to apply:
apply online via the University of Cambridge recruitment system. Use reference
PD50189
for the postdoc and
PD45704
for the technician roles. The post advises applicants to quote the reference in all correspondence.
