Postdoctoral Research Associate

Project and Departments

The Department of Biology and the School of Physics, Engineering and Technology (PET) are collaborating within the University of York Biological Physical Sciences Interdisciplinary Network (BPSInet) to support a major interdisciplinary consortium of The York Physics of Pyrenoids Project (YP3). YP3 is recruiting a highly motivated postdoctoral research associate to join an interdisciplinary team on a project exploring the liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) that underlies efficient CO₂ fixation in algae.Algae are responsible for approximately 30% of global carbon fixation and have huge potential for providing biotechnological solutions for CO₂ capture and boosting crop yields. Their ecological success is driven through their high photosynthetic capacity. To "turbocharge" photosynthesis they condense the primary CO₂ fixing enzyme Rubisco into an LLPS organelle called the pyrenoid. This project will work on understanding pyrenoid structure and function in diverse algae to identify the underlying physics of the pyrenoid to help guide ongoing engineering solutions for improved CO₂ fixation.

Roles

You will be part of an interdisciplinary team conducting research to understand the physics of pyrenoid assembly and function. You will be integrated into YP3 and interact closely with its four other postdocs. You will have a core research role, with guidance and supervision from senior colleagues. You will assist in identification/development of potential areas of research, development of proposals for independent or collaborative research projects, and writing of research papers for publication. This position, based in PET, will investigate theoretical soft-matter physics and coarse-grained modelling in the group of Prof Mark Leake, with close interaction with researcher co-investigator Dr Charley Schaefer. You will develop theoretical soft-matter physics and coarse-grained modelling to enable new understanding into the physics of equilibrium and active self-assembly recruited in photosynthetic pyrenoids that drives the formation and dissolution of their complex substructures. Your work will build new complexity onto state-of-the-art biophysical LLPS theory to construct a connected coarse-grained suite of in silico and modelling tools that guide, and are informed by, experiments, building to a modelling framework for understanding and control of pyrenoid self-assembly. YP3 research is highly integrated across labs and opportunities exist for you to engage in relevant experimental aspects.

Skills, Experience & Qualification needed

You will have:

• A relevant PhD in physics or a related subject
• An interest in the project’s subject matter
• Experience in a range of relevant soft-matter physics modelling and/or coarse-grained simulation techniques.
• Attention to detail, a commitment to performing high quality research and a collaborative ethos with a willingness to work positively and proactively with colleagues in other departments and institutions.
• The ability to efficiently meet deadlines, to disseminate research results professionally in written and oral form and have the initiative to plan research programmes.
• Excellent communication skills are essential, and you should be keen to develop project/team leadership skills

This is a fixed term contract until 31 March 2025.

Interview date: TBC

For informal enquiries: please contact Mark Leake (mark.leake@york.ac.uk), Charley Schaefer (charley.schaefer@york.ac.uk), or the PET HR team (pet-hr@york.ac.uk).

The University strives to be diverse and inclusive  – a place where we can ALL be ourselves.

We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented at the University. 

We offer family friendly, flexible working arrangements, with forums and inclusive facilities to support our staff. #EqualityatYork

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