Research Associate (Fixed Term)

Department/Location: Department of Biochemistry, Central Cambridge 

A postdoctoral position is available for 12 months (in the first instance, extension possible) from 1 March 2023 to work with Florian Hollfelder at the Biochemistry Department of Cambridge University (http://www.bioc.cam.ac.uk/hollfelder). The project is a close collaboration with the groups of Christine Orengo/UCL (https://www.ucl.ac.uk/orengo-group/people/prof-christine-orengo), Rob Finn/EBI (https://www.ebi.ac.uk/about/people/rob-finn) and Marko Hyvonen (https://hyvonen.bioc.cam.ac.uk/) 

Our project objective is to identify new plastic-degrading enzymes in an interdisciplinary approach that take advantage of the vast amount of metagenomic sequencing data available, algorithms for classifying proteins into evolutionary and functional families and experimental ultrahigh throughput screening in microfluidic droplets. Candidate enzymes are mechanistically investigated, structurally characterised and improved by directed evolution. 

Applicants should thus have a first (or upper second) class degree in (bio)chemistry or a related, relevant subject, followed by a PhD. Familiarity with molecular and chemical biology techniques and specific skills in assay development, enzyme kinetics, DNA library generation, organic synthesis, high-throughput screening, mechanistic enzymology and microfluidics are advantages. An interest in interdisciplinary collaboration on structural biology and bioinformatics is crucial.

Applications should contain a description of research interests (e.g. as part of the cover letter), a detailed CV (with exam marks and all relevant practical experience) and a list of publications. Please also include the names and email addresses of at least two referees, who are familiar with your research work. 

The University values diversity and is committed to equality of opportunity.

Literature:

 Neun, S.; Brear, P.; Campbell, E.; Tryfona, T.; El Omari, K.; Wagner, A.; Dupree, P.; Hyvonen, M.; Hollfelder, F. Functional metagenomic screening identifies an unexpected beta-glucuronidase. Nat Chem Biol 2022, 18, 1096-1103.

 Gantz, M.; Aleku, G. A.; Hollfelder, F. Ultrahigh-throughput screening in microfluidic droplets: a faster route to new enzymes. Trends Biochem Sci 2022, 47, 451-452.

Scheele, R. A.; Lindenburg, L. H.; Petek, M.; Schober, M.; Dalby, K. N.; Hollfelder, F. Droplet-based screening of phosphate transfer catalysis reveals how epistasis shapes MAP kinase interactions with substrates. Nat Commun 2022, 13, 844.

Holstein, J. M.; Gylstorff, C.; Hollfelder, F. Cell-free Directed Evolution of a Protease in Microdroplets at Ultrahigh Throughput. ACS Synth Biol 2021, 10, 252-257.

 Zurek, P. J.; Hours, R.; Schell, U.; Pushpanath, A.; Hollfelder, F. Growth amplification in ultrahigh-throughput microdroplet screening increases sensitivity of clonal enzyme assays and minimizes phenotypic variation. Lab Chip 2021, 21, 163-173.

 Zurek, P. J.; Knyphausen, P.; Neufeld, K.; Pushpanath, A.; Hollfelder, F. UMI-linked consensus sequencing enables phylogenetic analysis of directed evolution. Nat Commun 2020, 11, 6023.

Emond, S.; Petek, M.; Kay, E. J.; Heames, B.; Devenish, S. R. A.; Tokuriki, N.; Hollfelder, F. Accessing unexplored regions of sequence space in directed enzyme evolution via insertion/deletion mutagenesis. Nat Commun 2020, 11, 3469 

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 12 months in the first instance. 

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, click the 'Apply' button. 

For informal enquiries can be sent to Professor Florian Hollfelder: fl111@cam.ac.uk 

For any questions about this vacancy or the application process please contact: personnel@bioc.cam.ac.uk 

Please quote reference PH34748 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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