Postdoctoral Research Associate in Microbiology (Fixed Term)

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 2 years in the first instance.

Applications are invited for a two-year Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) position in Microbiology under the supervision of Prof Erwin Reisner within the Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry at the University of Cambridge.

The Reisner Laboratory develops innovations and technologies to convert solar energy and renewable electricity into sustainable fuels and organic platform chemicals for a circular economy using a unique cross-disciplinary approach and collaborations are strongly encouraged.

The PDRA will engineer live cells to convert carbon dioxide and other feedstock chemicals into bespoke complex chemicals. In a collaborative project, these cells will be interfaced with light harvesting semiconductor systems that will provide the feedstock chemicals consumed by the cells to enable semi-artificial photosynthesis of organic chemicals.

This project will develop biophotocatalytic and bioelectrochemical technologies to synthesise high value chemicals within a cross-disciplinary team and the outcome is expected to be published in top tier academic journal. The PDRA will complement existing expertise in the Reisner laboratory and bring a strong skill set in microbiology to the team.

More information about the laboratory and project can be found here:

• Website Reisner Laboratory: http://www-reisner.ch.cam.ac.uk
• Publication on biohybrid system using H2: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41929-022-00817-z
• Publication on biohybrid system using CO2: https://doi.org/10.1021/jacs.6c03677

Funding is provided by UKRI through a Japan-UK collaboration for artificial photosynthetic cell systems and an ERC Advanced Grant on semi-biological domino catalysis.

The PDRA should have (or be about to obtain) a PhD in Microbiology, Biochemistry, or Chemical Biology or a closely related discipline. A background in synthetic biology, protein purification or bioelectrochemistry would be desirable for the position. The candidate should also have a strong publication track record and have demonstrated outstanding performance throughout their studies and research career.

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

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 pa-reisner@ch.cam.ac.uk

Please quote reference MA50432 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.

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