Postdoctoral Fellow and PhD Student Positions in Plant Genomics, Biochemistry, and Synthetic Biology (Natural Product Biosynthesis)
Dr. Yang Qu, Associate Professor at the University of New Brunswick, is recruiting one Postdoctoral Fellow and one PhD student to join his Natural Products & Synthetic Biology Lab. The positions are supported by the Canada Impact+ Research Training Awards, offering competitive funding ($70,000/year for postdocs, $40,000/year for PhD students). The research group focuses on plant genomics, biochemistry, and natural product biosynthesis, with a strong emphasis on metabolic engineering in yeast and biomedical applications.
Research in the lab integrates comparative genomics, enzyme biochemistry, and synthetic biology to study and engineer plant specialized metabolism. Projects may involve the biosynthesis of medically relevant compounds, metabolic pathway elucidation, and engineering yeast for production of plant-derived molecules. The lab has a strong publication record in top journals, and the supervisor is well-connected in the field.
Applicants should have a background in plant genomics, biochemistry, synthetic biology, or related disciplines. Experience in comparative genomics, enzyme biochemistry, or metabolic engineering is highly desirable. The positions are open to international candidates, and the funding is provided through a prestigious Canadian federal initiative designed to attract top research talent.
The start window is flexible, between May 2026 and January 2027. Interested candidates should apply by sending their CV to [email protected] by January 30, 2026. For more information, candidates can review the Canada Impact+ Research Training Awards program and the lab's research profile. This is an excellent opportunity for those interested in cutting-edge research at the intersection of plant biology, biochemistry, and synthetic biology, with strong support for career development and international collaboration.
