英国约克大学博士后职位招聘–分子生物学、细胞生物学、生物化学、膜生物学、生物物理学或相关学科

Background and Department

The Mackinder Lab is looking to recruit a highly motivated, creative and talented postdoc to perform a pivotal role on a BBSRC/NSF funded project in the Department of Biology, University of York, UK. The project titled: “A synthetic pyrenoid to guide the engineering of enhanced crops” is an international collaboration involving the Universities of York, Edinburgh and Princeton that aims to build a synthetic in vitro CO2 uptake mechanism to guide engineering efforts to improve crop photosynthetic performance.

Photosynthesis drives life on Earth. However, the passive diffusion of CO2 from the surrounding environment to Rubisco’s active site can limit photosynthesis. To overcome this, algae evolved CO2-concentrating mechanisms (CCMs) to concentrate CO2 in the proximity of Rubisco resulting in increased photosynthetic rates. Critical to CCM function is biomolecular condensation of Rubisco into a liquid-liquid phase separated organelle called the pyrenoid. The Mackinder lab focuses on the discovery, characterization and synthetic assembly of CCM components in diverse algae. Recent discoveries (Mackinder et al. 2016, PNAS 113:5958–5963; Mackinder et al. 2017, Cell 171:133-147; Freeman Rosenzweig et al. 2017, Cell 171:148-162; Meyer et al. 2020, Science Advances 6:eabd2408; Lau et al. 2023, Plant Cell 35:3260–3279) are guiding pyrenoid-based  CCMs in plants (Atkinson et al. 2020, Nature Comms 11:6303). 

Role

Within the project, you will be the lead on assembling a synthetic CCM in vitro. You will design, build and test synthetic pyrenoid components. You will attach phase separated Rubisco to liposomes and test assemblies, you will use established assays to monitor bicarbonate transport across membranes and determine Rubisco activity. You will interact closely with algal cell biologists, cellular modellers and plant engineers, and have opportunities to visit Edinburgh and Princeton University to develop new skills. You will have a lead role, with guidance and supervision from senior colleagues. In addition, you will assist in the identification and development of potential areas of research, the development of proposals for independent or collaborative research projects, and the writing of research papers for publication.

Skills, Experience & Qualification needed

You will have an interest in the subject matter of the project and possess a relevant PhD in the field of molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, membrane biology, biophysics or a related subject. You will have experience in a range of molecular, biochemical and data analysis techniques including; cloning, protein biochemistry, confocal microscopy and complex data handling. Prior experience working on membrane transport processes and with proteo-liposomes is desirable. You will have attention to detail, a commitment to performing high quality research and a collaborative ethos with a willingness to work positively and proactively with colleagues. You will have the ability to efficiently meet deadlines and have the initiative to plan research programmes. Excellent communication skills are essential and you should be keen to develop project/team leadership skills.

Interview date: TBD

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