A position is open for a postdoctoral research associate based at the OpenPlant Laboratory in Cambridge, within the Department of Plant Sciences at the University of Cambridge, and directed by Prof. Jim Haseloff.

The appointee will develop a research project based on the development of new synthetic biology tools for engineering traits in the model plant Marchantia polymorpha. Work with Marchantia allows streamlined approaches to genome modification, secondary metabolism and morphogenetic engineering. We are looking for a highly motivated post-doctoral scientist to work in this area.

The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate a strong background in plant molecular biology or synthetic biology, including a PhD in a relevant area. Experience with synthetic biology, plant molecular biology and advanced microscopy will be advantageous.

OpenPlant is a BBSRC-EPSRC funded Synthetic Biology Research Centre. It is based in the United Kingdom and is a collaboration between the University of Cambridge and the John Innes Centre and The Sainsbury Laboratory, Norwich. The OpenPlant SBRC is focused on the development of open foundational technologies for plant synthetic biology and their application for engineering new traits in crop systems. OpenPlant will (i) fund interdisciplinary efforts in plant Synthetic Biology, to explore novel foundational technologies and applications, build shared resources and provide a point of exchange for young scientists and entrepreneurs; (ii) promote two-tier intellectual property models that will promote sharing of DNA components and freedom-to-operate for commercial applications of plant synthetic biology, and (iii) address responsible innovation, and explore the potential wider impacts of synthetic biology on sustainable practices in agriculture, bioproduction, land use and environmental conservation.

Salary: £29,301-£38,183
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 2 September 2019 in the first instance.
Closing date: 7 March 2017
Download: Further details
You can apply online for this vacancy. You will need to register an account (if you have not already) and log in before completing the online application form.
Please upload your CV and covering letter, ensuring you list at least 2 referees.
Please quote reference PD11358 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
For further information contact Prof Jim Haseloff (jh295@cam.ac.uk)

Please note if you have not received any news from us 1 month after the closing date you should consider that on this occasion your application has been unsuccessful.

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