Research Associate in Algal Carbon Fixation

The Mackinder Lab is recruiting a highly motivated, creative, and talented postdoc to play a pivotal role on a BBSRC strategic Longer and Larger (sLoLa) project in the Department of Biology, University of York. Titled "Function, evolution and programming of CO¿-fixing Rubisco biomolecular condensates", the project is led by York in collaboration with the University of Edinburgh, Lancaster University, and the John Innes Centre. Research focuses on understanding how CO¿-fixing pyrenoids evolved, how they function, and how to engineer them to enhance photosynthesis and crop yields.

Photosynthesis drives life on Earth, but passive CO¿ diffusion to Rubisco's active site often limits efficiency. Algae overcome this using CO¿-concentrating mechanisms (CCMs) that deliver concentrated CO2 to Rubisco condensed into a liquid-liquid phase-separated organelle called the pyrenoid. The Mackinder Lab discovers, characterises, and synthetically assembles CCM components across diverse algae. Recent discoveries provide insights into global carbon cycling (Mackinder et al. 2016 PNAS; Mackinder et al. 2017 Cell; Freeman Rosenzweig et al. 2017 Cell; Meyer et al. 2020 Science Advances; Lau et al. 2023 Plant Cell; Barrett et al. 2024 Nature Plants; Nam et al. 2024 Cell), reveal pyrenoid convergent evolution (Barrett et al. 2026 Annual Review of Plant Biology), and guide CCM engineering into plants (Atkinson et al. 2020 Nature Comms; Hennacy et al. 2024 Nature Plants).

Role

With guidance and supervision from senior colleagues, you will take a lead role investigating pyrenoid evolution within the green lineage. You will date pyrenoid evolution events and reconstruct evolutionary pathway scenarios across two algal systems. Collaborating closely with paleobiologist Katie Davis (York) and consortium partners, you will integrate evolutionary analysis with component discovery, molecular function, engineering, and modelling. Additionally, you will assist in identifying new research avenues, developing independent or collaborative grant proposals, and writing papers for publication.

Skills, Experience & Qualification needed

You should hold a relevant PhD in biology, cell biology, molecular biology, bioinformatics, or a related discipline, alongside a strong interest in the project scope. You will bring hands-on experience in molecular, biochemical, and data analysis techniques, specifically including phylogenetics, molecular biology, and complex data handling. Essential requirements include high attention to detail, a proven commitment to high-quality research, and a collaborative ethos for working across departments and institutions. Furthermore, you will demonstrate the initiative to plan research programs, efficiency in meeting deadlines, excellent communication skills, and a keen desire to develop project and team leadership skills.

This is a full-time role offered on a 4-year fixed-term contract.

Interview date: To be confirmed

For informal enquiries: Please contact Luke Mackinder (luke.mackinder@york.ac.uk). Further information about the Mackinder Lab and other available postdoctoral positions is available at: www.mackinderlab.weebly.com. For an alternative contact, please email biol-dmthub@york.ac.uk. 

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