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/电生理学或相关学科领域
Background and Department
The Mackinder Lab is looking to recruit a highly motivated, creative and talented postdoc to perform a pivotal role on a Gates Foundation/Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) funded project in the Department of Biology, University of York. The project titled: “Combining Algal and Plant Photosynthesis (CAPP)” involves the University of York, University of Edinburgh and Princeton University and aims to functionally test a proto-type pyrenoid-based CO2-concentrating mechanism in Arabidopsis.
Photosynthesis drives life on Earth. However, the passive diffusion of CO2 from the surrounding environment to the active site of Rubisco can be limiting for photosynthesis. To overcome this nearly all algae have evolved CO2 concentrating mechanisms (CCMs) to concentrate CO2 in the proximity of Rubisco resulting in increased photosynthetic rates. The Mackinder lab (www.mackinderlab.weebly.com) focuses on the discovery and characterization of components of the CCM in a diverse range of algae.
Building on recent discoveries in the model green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (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; Mukherjee et al. 2019 PNAS 116: 16915-16920; Lau et al. 2023, Plant Cell 35:3260–3279) the CAPP consortium is now assembling (Atkinson et al. 2020, Nature Comms 11:6303) and testing (this project) proto-pyrenoid assembly in Arabidopsis to improve photosynthetic performance.
Role
Within the project, you will be the lead on testing activities of inorganic carbon transport channels and carbonic anhydrases expressed in Arabidopsis using a range of techniques. You will also work on the correct targeting of carbonic anhydrases to thylakoids that traverse engineered pyrenoids. You will interact closely with algal cell biologists (York and Princeton) and plant engineers (Edinburgh) and have opportunities to visit the University of 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. This role is fixed term for a period of two years.
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, electrophysiology 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 in electrophysiology or working on membrane transport processes 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 in other departments and institutions.
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:
To be confirmed
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.